18 February

lecture series
DISSEMINATION AND COMMUNICATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

An experience in the dissemination of documentary heritage: file Royal and General of Navarre

D. Felix Segura Urra
Director of the file Real y General de Navarra
 

Dissemination is, within historical archives, one of their fundamental tasks, which acts in conjunction with other functions such as organisation, description, restoration and digitisation. In a facility such as the file Real y General de Navarra, dissemination revolves around two fundamental axes: the documents and the institution itself. In this sense, its main aspiration is to disseminate Documentary Heritage universally and free of charge, making use of new technologies, and to become a pole of attraction for present and potential users and for all subject citizens, involving them in its dissemination activity.

The dissemination of documentary heritage begins at conference room of enquiry, by making the documents available in the best possible conditions and with the greatest possible facilities. This is where essential factors come into play, such as mediation, through the person in charge of conference room and the technicians of file, the description tools or the work of copy center.
 

Library Services. file Real y General de Navarra
 

Alongside the on-site enquiry , the virtual enquiry has received a great boost in recent years, encouraged by the paradigm shift brought about by the web and the consequent dissemination of digital content. In 1998, the file Real y General de Navarra launched plans to digitise documents, and in 2012 it inaugurated the publication of digital content on the Internet, through the search engine www.archivoabierto.navarra.es, with the goal aim of offering universal access to its freely accessible documentation.

With regard to activities related to the dissemination of the institution, since the inauguration of the new facilities in 2003, the file Real y General de Navarra has carried out intense work through the holding of exhibitions, conference and congresses. In addition to this, in recent years, another subject of actions have been initiated aimed at connecting with the general public, most of whom are unaware of the nature and aims of the institution. For this reason, cultural activities such as conference open doors, guided tours for cultural and educational groups, conferences, workshops and internal courses for users have gained momentum.

conference room of exhibitions. file Royal and General of Navarre