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