Cite this as: Forster, M. and Parker Wooding, J. 2026 'Work Digital, Think Archive, Create Access: Exploring The Legacy Of The Dig Digital Project', Internet Archaeology 72. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.72.6
The Dig Digital project is an Archaeological Archives Forum (AAF) initiative and represents the culmination of 10 years of research and collaboration. Managed and delivered by DigVentures, in partnership with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and funded by Historic England, the aim of Dig Digital was to establish a methodology for digital archive compilation and its integration into archaeological working practices across the United Kingdom. This was achieved by designing a web-based resource, complete with innovative tools and guidance built around FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) principles, that is integrated within the existing regulatory framework for professional archaeological practice in the UK. The Dig Digital project provides a good example of a collaboratively designed resource that promotes sustainable practices and supports implementation in archaeological digital data management.
Corresponding author: Manda Forster
[email protected]
Independent Consultant
Jen Parker Wooding
[email protected]
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists
Figure 1: The Dig Digital project has benefitted from a partnership approach involving oversight from the Archaeology Archives Forum (AAF); funding and advisory support from Historic England; and delivery by DigVentures in partnership with the professional body Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA). Source: CIfA.
Figure 2: The interplay between innovation, good practice and expected standards. Source: CIfA.
Figure 3: As well as webpage content, the Toolkit includes several resources to aid implementation of the Dig Digital approach. Source: Authors.
Figure 4: The potential influence of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA)’s Registered Organisation scheme on the historic environment sector. Source: CIfA.
Figure 5: Data provided by the Archaeology Data Service (ADS) shows the number of deposited digital archives against local authorities represented (counties) and new projects initiated (as recorded on OASIS). Source: ADS 2024.
Figure 6: Data from Dig Digital surveys carried out in 2019 and 2021 demonstrated change and increased confidence. Sources: Authors.
Figure 7: A call out for all archaeologists to be an archives advocate from the CIfA eLearning module on the creation of FAIR, sustainable and ethical archives. Source: Authors.
Figure 8: Dig Digital has been delivered within the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA)’s existing framework of awareness, audit and accountability. Source: CIfA.
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