The Hidden Complexity Behind the Digitization of Historical Archives
It is surprising to discover that in the full digital era, historical documents still remain unscanned. Mathematical estimates would suggest that twenty people working for twenty years would have digitized millions of files, far exceeding the calculations of the Censorship Section. However, operational reality shows that historical archives are far from following predictable patterns. 📊
Obstacles Slowing Digital Progress
Document digitization is a much more complex process than simply running pages through a scanner. Involving a multifaceted workflow, it presents numerous critical points that slow progress. From technical interruptions due to maintenance to the delicate handling of vulnerable materials, each stage accumulates unforeseen challenges. 🚧
Determining Factors in the Slowdown:- Frequent interruptions due to equipment maintenance and system updates
- Need to handle fragile materials with extreme care to avoid damage
- Physical access difficulties to documents stored in complex or remote conditions
The documents are not perfectly organized nor always easily identifiable
Unexpected Findings and Additional Work
Precisely this operational complexity explains why unknown works continue to emerge even after years of meticulous work. The discovery of material from Ignacio Aldecoa perfectly illustrates how historical archives hold surprises that require additional research before digitization. 🔍
Activities Not Initially Considered:- In-depth research for correct attribution of authorship and historical context
- Detailed cataloging processes and exhaustive metadata verification
- Management of changing priorities based on resources and institutional interests
The Gap Between Theory and Reality
Initial calculations never considered incidents like spills on unique documents, stuck pages that demand exceptional patience to separate, or system failures when saving full days of work. These unpredictable variables turn digitization into an organic process that constantly challenges theoretical projections. ⚡