Community archives are collections of still and video
images, text and oral narratives that have been captured using specially
developed Comma software. They are fully searchable databases that serve
as a record of communities' cultural heritage and are published as local
CD-ROMs and on the Internet. The three distinctive characteristics of
community archives are:
• the community creates its own archive
• the community has editorial control over its archive
• the community owns the copyright in its archive
A wide range of groups are involved in community
archives, they are based in community centres, schools, libraries and
museums.
Although creating a community archive requires the
use of new technology, it is not the dominant focus and the Comma software
is very easy to use. Most groups also own the associated IT equipment.
Community archives promote understanding, tolerance
and respect between generations and between diverse social, ethnic and
cultural communities. By enabling communities to record and share their
heritage, they foster active citizenship within a multicultural democracy.
About Commanet Commanet is a charity that promotes and supports
community archives. We offer advice on sources of funding and on setting
up and running a community archive group. We supply Comma software and
provide training, support and web hosting for community archives. We
are partners with The National Archives and others in the Linking Arms
and Community Access to Archives Projects. We are also involved in a
number of community archive projects across the UK and worldwide, for
example, Comma software is used for the Community Memories element of
the Virtual Museum of Canada.