Why archive web sites?

• Web sites are important

  • Main public and internal communication mechanism
  • Australian "Government Online", US Government Paperwork Elimination Act

• Legal

  • Putting content on a web site is an act of publishing
  • Same legal standing as paper
  • Not just the text but its context is vital when determining what information has been provided and whether a contract has been established

• Community expectations

• Reputation

• Commercial advantage

  • Good archiving practices should be seen as commercial assets, not legal necessities

• Providence

  • Organisational history
  • National, cultural, social significance