Virtual Museum of the Archives of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the Context of Modern Online Presentations of Historical Heritage: Ideas and Implementation Methods

Scientific article

doi 10.28995/2073-0101-2025-4-1173-1186

For citation

Litvina, Natalya V. (2025). Virtual Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences Archives in the Context of Modern Online Presentations of Historical Heritage: Ideas and Implementation Methods, Herald of an Archivist, no. 4, pp. 1173-1186, doi 10.28995/2073-0101-2025-4-1173-1186

Litvina, Natalya V., Archives of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

Virtual Museum of the Archives of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the Context of Modern Online Presentations of Historical Heritage: Ideas and Implementation Methods

Abstract

Understanding the need for web-based interaction between archives and users, which partially coincides with the trends of the archival turn reflected in the "Archives 2.0" concept, leads to various structural solutions related to the digital presentation of archival materials. Domestic archives primarily offer thematic online document exhibitions, while multifunctional virtual museums, including online demonstration portals and online tours of their galleries, are primarily addressed by museums. The aim of this study is to analyze the experience of creating a virtual museum (VM) for such a multifaceted institution as the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) based on materials from the Archives of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ARAS) in comparison with similar projects. The development of the ARAS virtual museum, which has existed for over 10 years, is considered in the context of current trends in the digital presentation of Russian historical heritage, particularly archival heritage. To achieve this, the author describes the key stages in the development of the RAS VM, beginning with the project's inception in the early 2010s. Concluding with an analysis of the current state, it also identifies the ideas behind the ARAS VM both at the conceptual stage, when the principle of thematic areas reflecting the development of the RAS was chosen, and at the current stage of VM reform. At the beginning of the ARAS VM implementation, the question of selecting documentary material arose, ranging from minimal to maximum sufficiency, which has gradually increased. Furthermore, the volume and method of annotation were discussed, according to which the information fields were developed. An important aspect of both the initial and current stages of development is the development of a VM format that should effectively introduce the audience to the history of the RAS and the achievements of outstanding scientists. The content of the VM thematic areas includes informative text blocks and document images with annotations, which, given the current modest design, contributes to waning user interest. Today, an important task is to engage researchers in the work of upgrading the ARAS VM. This article addresses the question of ways to transform digital databases into attractive, interactive educational resources. In conclusion, the author emphasizes the need for a design and technical overhaul of the VM RAS to attract audiences. Therefore, at this stage, the VM RAS needs to rethink its concept, adapt it to modern requirements, and enhance user engagement to achieve educational and research goals.

Keywords

Digital technologies, virtual museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences (VM RAS), Archives of the RAS (ARAS), digital databases, interactive educational resources, virtual archival heritage.

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About authors

Litvina Natalya V., Archives of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Department of Document Records and Preservation, Senior Researcher, Head of the Department of Document Records and Preservation, Moscow, Russian Federation, +7-916-942-19-77, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ORCID 0000-0002-2109-2528

Grant information

This article was prepared with the financial support of the Russian Science Foundation, grant No. 24-28-00889. Electronic resource. Access mode: https://rscf.ru/project/24-28-00889/

The article was received in the editorial office on 23.12.2024, recommended for publication on 20.09.2025.