ERA Research
Research is an important part of the Electronic Records Archives (ERA) program as NARA builds the ERA System. Research supports NARA’s mission by ensuring that we will be able to preserve and make accessible current and future electronic records of the Federal government. Much of the technology needed to meet the ERA system requirements does not exist today.
Research informs the development and testing of the ERA System, and supports many of ERA's initiatives by identifying potential in new technologies, promoting knowledge and technology transfer from research projects, bringing together partners with diverse domain expertise, and leveraging other research.
In establishing the ERA Research Program in 1998, NARA acknowledged the problem of preserving electronic records is not just ours. The Federal Government faces unprecedented challenges in developing ERA. We have established partnerships with world-class computer scientists, engineers, and information management professionals to address those challenges.
Since 1998, we have conducted and supported empirical research with large and small archives, libraries, universities, private and public sector industry experts, and many Federal agencies. In addition, the ERA Research Program has built three research laboratories that enable ERA staff to conduct virtual collaborations with its partners. For a description of some of the laboratory demonstrations produced from the ERA research collaborations, visit ERA Research Laboratory Demonstrations.
The ERA Research Program continues to seek new research partners with recognized expertise in all relevant fields to work with us in making informed, intelligent decisions and to mitigate risks as the ERA system is developed. The ERA Research Program will continue to work with NARA staff and its community of stakeholders and partners to look ahead and to examine solutions that incorporate continued progress in information technology.
See also:
ERA Research in the News
