Digitization of the archives: Schleswig-Holstein secures digital treasures

The digital archiving of official documents is a challenge for municipal archives, since file formats and technical devices are constantly evolving. In order to avoid data losses, archived information must be continuously checked and transferred to new formats. This requires not only long -term planning, but also qualified specialist staff, regular maintenance and sufficient financial means. An increase in digital stocks means that the resources required must also be increased proportionally.

in Schleswig-Holstein, an important step has been taken towards digital archiving. In cooperation with the State Archives, the IT network of Schleswig-Holstein (ITV.SH) has signed an administrative agreement that marks the start of a digital archive for municipalities. This collaboration was recently recognized with a solemn act in the Prince Palace in Schleswig, in which Minister of Culture Karin Prien and Minister of Digitization Dirk Schrödter were present.

The digital magazine dimag

The digital magazine, known as Dimag, forms the backbone of this initiative. It was developed in the Baden-Württemberg State Archives in 2006 and was based on international standards from the start. The continuous further development, for which a community of twelve German state archives is responsible, enables use in state, municipal and even church archives. The State Archives of Schleswig-Holstein has been commissioned to spread Dimag in the municipalities in the country, which is dealt with via the municipal service center for digital archiving (KOSDA). This service point has been expanded as part of the ITV.SH since 2022.

DIMAG requires a secure frame for storing and management of a variety of digital documents. In addition to archiving, it also enables the transfer of this information to new file formats. This is particularly important to ensure that valuable data will remain accessible in the future. Minister Dirk Schrödter emphasized that Dimag ensures sustainable digital long -term archiving, which also promotes digital sovereignty and data protection in the municipalities.

The importance of archiving for democracy

Minister of Culture Karin Prien emphasized the central role of archives in democracy: "Archives play an immensely important role in our democracy by ensuring transparency of public administration, legal certainty and maintaining our cultural heritage. They are the public memory of a country and will also be digital public memory in the future."

With the introduction of the digital archive, Schleswig-Holstein becomes a pioneer in digital archiving, which not only benefits the municipalities, but also makes an important contribution to the development of contemporary administrative structures. It is clear that the digitization of the administration is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity that can make more efficient and transparent.

DIMAG not only offers the municipalities storage space, but also tools for transmission, management and preservation of various digital objects, including eaks and websites. In addition, DIMAGR ensures the full automation of the update of archived data through special migration strategies and test froutes.

The digital archiving is therefore not just a compulsory exercise, but an essential step for a future-proof and transparent administration in Schleswig-Holstein.