Re-engineering the archaeological process

At the launch of the hundredth EAA volume, Adrian Olivier issued a challenge:
Our entire approach to Archaeology is shackled by conventional print technology .... we must look at the real capabilities of the new digital technologies, and remodel our philosophical approach accordingly — ultimately, I believe that this will involve completely re-shaping and re-engineering the whole archaeological process.

The editorial committee and ALGAO East were keen to take up this challenge, and workshops were held in November 2003 and June 2004 to shape our response, through discussion between the key players in the region.
click here to download an account of the opening debate as a PDF file (188kb), and click here to download an account of the June workshop as a PDF file (206kb).

As well as the technical opportunities now available we should also consider what we are doing, and why we are doing it. Publication comes at the end of a long process and it is unrealistic to try and alter the way we publish without first re-engineering the archaeological process.

There are a number of initiatives already exploring digital site recording, archives, access and dissemination. Through a series of workshops and open discussion, we will attempt to scope a modernising strategy for the archaeological process in the eastern region.