I am new to the list so please forgive me if this topic has already been
discussed. Essentially, I would like to know how people knowledgeable in
this area view the practical scope or influence of the EAD particularly as
it relates to Web pages and other digital material such as PDF, WORD and
other similar types of files.
Do many of you view the EAD as having limited reach and application ? For
instance, given the nature of the EAD, do most see it as a tool for use by
government and academic institutions? I perused some of the listserv's
archive and surmised from what I read that most institutions that have
adapted the EAD were those with substantial resources and the ability to
designate and train one or more in the use of the EAD. Does this make the
use of the EAD impractical with smaller institutions, groups or individuals?
Also, given the effort required to use the EAD, I wonder what guidelines are
used in selecting the digital material for EAD inclusion. Is it only what
is considered the most important documents?
Finally, there are over 2 million Web pages added every day and many
thousands of pdf and word files as well. Is it practical to even consider
using the EAD for a fraction of this amount? Other than a few select
institutions, have webmasters incorporated the EAD into their sites on any
appreciable level?
Thank you,
Lee
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