Web Archiving at Columbia University
Columbia University Libraries (CUL) has expanded the scope of its collection development activities to include curated archival collections of freely available Internet resources. The development of this program, self-funded by CUL as of 2013, was made possible by generous support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Columbia University Libraries' commitment to integrating web archiving into ongoing collection development and preservation best practice is informed by collaboration with other research libraries and the broader web archiving community. In 2012 CUL became a member of the International Internet Preservation Consortium (IIPC) and hosted a summit meeting for practitioners on Web Archiving Policies and Practices in the US. Columbia has also recently received new support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for the explicit goal of fostering web archiving collaboration. On June 4-5, 2015, Columbia University Libraries hosted a conference called Web Archiving Collaboration: New Tools and Models.
Collections
The Web Resources Collection Program archives selected websites in thematic areas corresponding to existing CUL collection strengths, websites produced by affiliates of Columbia University, and websites from organizations or individuals whose papers or records are held in CUL's physical archives.
Specific collections of archived websites include:
- Avery Library Historic Preservation and Urban Planning
- Burke Library New York City Religions
- Human Rights : CUL-designed portal at Human Rights Web Archive
- Rare Books and Manuscripts Library
- University Archives (about)
Ivy Plus Libraries Confederation Collaborative Collections
Columbia is collaborating with some of its existing consortial partners to develop new thematic web archives:
Contemporary Composers Web Archive (CCWA)
Collaborative Architecture, Urbanism and Sustainability Web Archive (CAUSEWAY)
National Statistical Offices and Central Banks Web Archive
Latin American and Caribbean Contemporary Art Web Archive
Contact Information
For general program information, copyright inquiries, technical:
Alex Thurman, Web Resources Collection Coordinator
webarchiving@library.columbia.edu

Internet connection graphic courtesy Chris Harrison, "Internet Map."