Archivematica Sandbox

Introduction

A sandbox environment allows users to experiment with an application without affecting live data. In this exercise, you’ll use Archivematica’s sandbox to explore how digital archivists process and ingest Information Packages using a digital preservation system.

What is Archivematica?

Archivematica is an open-source digital preservation system that automates tasks through “microservices” to streamline SIP transfers, ingestion, and the creation of Archival Information Packages (AIPs) and Dissemination Information Packages (DIPs).

Important Notes:

  • The sandbox clears data daily around midnight, so any session data, logs, or work in progress will be lost.
  • If a job fails, don’t worry: note it and move on. Failed jobs won’t halt the entire process (this is the beauty of a microservice!)
  • You must run through the Tasks at least twice. Please set aside 1-2 hours max for this activity.

Steps to Take

Open the Sandbox

  1. Open the Archivematica Website in a new browser tab.
  2. Click the Demo menu item.
  3. In the “Try our sandbox” menu, click the Launch button.
  4. Log in using these credentials:
    • Username: demo@example.com
    • Password: demodemo
    • If you see a data breach warning, click OK – this is expected.

Open the Archivematica Documentation

  1. In another browser tab, open the Archivematica Website again.
  2. Hover over the Documentation menu item and select the version labeled “stable-current.”
  3. Read through the Getting Started section to familiarize yourself with Archivematica’s user interface and workflow.
  4. Open the Archivematica Quick-Start Guide (found under “Overview”) and read the intro paragraph.

Perform the Tasks

  1. Complete Tasks #1-#5 (skip step #0, and any other tasks/steps listed that are specific to setting up or using a Virtual Machine or VM).
  2. During Task #5, there is a step that says: “Review the different options and make changes as you like.”
    • 🔧 Along with adjusting the compression algorithm (as the guide suggests), I would like you to make one additional change.
    • This change can be anything – it’s an opportunity to experiment with Archivematica’s settings.
  3. After making your change, step through the tasks again (or at least far enough to see the effect of your adjustment).

Submit to Brightspace

After completing the tasks, submit a one-paragraph reflection addressing:

  • Were any Archivematica steps confusing? If so, explain why.
  • Did any jobs fail? If yes, which ones, and any guess why?
  • What additional setting/step did you adjust?
    • Describe the change, whether it worked, and any issues you encountered.
    • (Optional) Include screenshots of any errors or successes.

Come Prepared to Discuss Your Adjustment

In class, we will go around the room, and each student will have 3-5 minutes to discuss:

  • The adjustment they made in Task #5
  • The results they observed when running through Tasks 1-4 again.

No need to prepare slides. This will be an informal discussion.