Digitization of Historical Archives as a Means of Preserving Historical and Cultural Heritage: Ukrainian and Global Experience

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyze the process of digitization of historical archives as a key tool for preserving historical and cultural heritage, to identify the peculiarities of its development in Ukraine, and to compare them with leading global practices. The study aims to determine the significance of the digital transformation of archival work in the context of wartime challenges and the globalization of the information space.

The methodological basis of the study is grounded in the principles of historicism, systematization, and comparative analysis. Analytical, chronological, and comparative methods were applied to identify the patterns of development of digital archival initiatives. The use of a structural and functional approach made it possible to explore the organizational and technological models of international and Ukrainian digital platforms.

The article analyzes the stages of formation of European digital libraries and archives – The European Library (TEL), Europeana, World Digital Library (WDL) – as well as Ukrainian initiatives, particularly the National Electronic Library of Ukraine (NELU). It has been determined that the successful digitization of cultural heritage requires the establishment of common standards, the development of inter-institutional cooperation, legal regulation, and sustainable funding. It is shown that digital archives not only preserve unique documents but also promote the popularization of historical memory and the strengthening of national identity.

The digitization of archives represents a strategic direction of modern humanitarian policy, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage, the development of science and education, and the integration of Ukraine into the global information space. Future research should focus on the development of national standards for digital preservation, the modeling of effective electronic archive management systems, and the expansion of international cooperation in the field of cultural heritage. The article highlights the integration of Ukrainian archives into international digital heritage networks as a unique aspect of the national digitization strategy.