NSW Archaeology On-line NSW Archaeology On-line Project

The NSW Archaeology On-line Project is an initiative of the Archaeology of Sydney Research Group in partnership with University of Sydney Library who have international level expertise in sustainable digital archiving. The project is sponsored by the Department of Planning (NSW) / New South Wales Heritage Grants Community Strategic Products and Services Program and co-directed by Dr Sarah Colley and Dr Martin Gibbs (University of Sydney).

Archaeology conducted under the NSW Heritage Act since 1977, as well as via other commercial, government agency, academic and research contexts, has produced a vast record of archaeological, historical, oral historical and other heritage information. Much of this is in unpublished reports, theses and other documents, often only produced in limited quantities and never released publicly. In addition there are significant collections of incomplete or fragmentary archaeological site documentation, personal notes, photographs and reference material. There is currently no central repository where archaeologists can lodge these records.
As the first generation of working archaeologists retires their record of work is at particular risk of being lost. Stage I of the project will initially focus on identifying and accessing copies of key reports from the pre-1995 (and largely pre-electronic production) era, ensuring the conservation of these early and significant pieces of research.
NSW Archaeology On-Line will be a secure long-term digital archive of content relating to NSW archaeology, especially projects conducted under the NSW Heritage Act (1977). It will be structured for on-line use by the public, other researchers and archaeologists, and contain material not otherwise held in public archives. It will be fully compatible with existing archives and designed to link to them in future.

The first collection of reports will be available for viewing/ downloading in early 2010.
Please check back at this webpage for the NSW Archaeology On-line website link in early 2010.