Digital Archiving Futures event in Mikkeli sparked great interest among information management experts

The event had already created significant interest both in Finland and abroad beforehand.

– After this, Mikkeli will be known both in Finland and globally as a strong center for digital information management and archives, summarized Olli Alm, Director of the Central Archives for Finnish Business Records (Elka).

Tools, networks, and living history

The seminar featured international and domestic speakers from the library, archive, and museum sectors, as well as the field of information management. Director Janet Anderson (Highbury Research & Development Ltd) presented the Europe-wide eArchiving initiative. The E-ARK consortium coordinates its implementation on behalf of the European Commission. For ten years, the consortium has been developing practical solutions for digital archiving that promote interoperability.

Liisa Näpärä, an information specialist from the National Library of Finland, reminded the audience that cultural heritage materials are a source of facts, stories, and experiences. An example was shared, illustrating what collections reveal about local food traditions. The people of Eastern Finland have grown up with bread, porridge, and fish. Hospitality has always been valued – and of course, coffee had to be served in every household.

Ville Venäläinen from Mindhive Oy discussed the topic “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of the Past”. The idea of bringing historical figures back to life using AI sparked both admiration and critical debate among the audience.

Diverse program and pleasant atmosphere

In participant feedback, the combination of interesting presentations with social activities and excellent side programs was emphasized. These included visits to attractions in Mikkeli, such as the National Archives, Elka, the National Library and Muisti Centre of War and Peace, as well as a cruise on Lake Saimaa aboard the Aino ship to see the Astuvansalmi rock paintings.

– The event was an incredible success, and there will surely be more such events and gatherings in Mikkeli in the future, summarized Kati Saltiola from Xamk, the Coordinator of Memory Campus.

The Digital Archiving Futures event was organized by Memory Campus, an information management cluster based in Mikkeli. The event was part of the Memory Campus as an International Information Management Cluster project, funded by the Regional Council of South Savo from the Regional Sustainable Growth and Vitality Support Fund (AKKE). The Memory Campus cluster is owned by the City of Mikkeli and coordinated by South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk). The event’s co-organizer was the Digital Information Management Research Centre, Digitalia.

Contact: project manager and coordinator Kati Saltiola, kati.saltiola (at) xamk.fi, p. 050 5603174

Materials of the event are available here.