Today, we’re taking a look at four state archives worth documenting (pun intended).
Not only do these agencies utilize twitter and other social media channels effectively, but they have some pretty cool features in their digital collections as well.
The State Archives of North Carolina
In addition to their sizable physical collection, the State Archives of North Carolina offers exhibits, photo galleries, and other materials available only online.
And in 2012 North Carolina became the first state government to offer a social media archiving platform, providing public access to archived social media data and metadata.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is a state agency that delivers resources, services, and support to Texas libraries, archives, state and local governments, and the public.
They’ve got an extensive social media program, and we give them bonus points for describing how each channel is utilized. For example, Facebook is used to deliver a mix of content focused largely on Texas history, while Twitter is used largely to share agency news, to live tweet during agency events and special occasions, and to trend key hashtags.
Minnesota State Archives
The Minnesota State Archives has digitized a lot of content, including items like photos, maps, and documents, as well as database records.
Given our own recent discussion about metadata, we like that they devote an entire page to explaining metadata, and labels information that is described by metadata throughout the site with a symbol
The Library of Virginia
Founded in 1823, the Library (LVA) is one of the oldest agencies of Virginia government, and our pick for the most social media savvy of all the state archives.
One of the tools they utilize is Historypin, a new media/map mashup site that allows users to overlay photographs, videos and audio recordings on Google maps.
For example, LVA has provided a tour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Royal Visit 1957. Using Historypin, royalty enthusiasts can tour the same places as the Queen, and upload content to show what’s going on at those spots today.
