complicated simplicity

National Library Board is archiving about 100 blogs in an attempt to keep a record of online content!

OME-GROWN blogs are making history, literally.
The National Library Board (NLB) is adding blogs to Singapore’s historical archives as part of its efforts to retain a comprehensive record of online content.

In all, the library aims to archive some 100 blogs by the end of the year.

Eleven have been selected so far, ranging from offerings like Air-Conditioned Nation (http://cherian.blogspot.com) by media academic Cherian George to the satirical Mr Brown (www.mrbrown.com).

Mr Raju Buddharaju, the library’s director of digital resources and services, described blogs as an ‘invaluable’ source of news and social commentary for the present and future generations of Singaporeans.

‘Content from blogs often offers views which would otherwise not be accessible from mainstream media,’ he said.

Even so, the library is selective when it comes to deciding which blogs to archive.

Only those produced by individuals who are recognised experts in their respective fields of knowledge, famous personalities or award-winning blogs will be considered, Mr Raju said.

The library will take digital snapshots of the selected blogs at least once a year, and post their contents on its web archive – available at www.nlb.gov.sg.

Access is open and free to the public.

Assistant Professor Lim Sun Sun, who teaches new media studies at the National University of Singapore, described the NLB’s efforts as ‘far-sighted.’

‘This affirms the importance of blogs in adding to the public sphere, and contributing to the growth of public discussion,’ she said.

The move towards an official repository of blogs marks the second phase of the NLB’s efforts to document online media.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Singapore/STIStory_193452.html