19.8.11

Mining the Treasure Troves of New Zealand's Digital Content

Our friends over at DigitalNZ have a nifty wee widget generator that one may customise to search digital content from a variety of New Zealand sources. So, here is one I knocked up to search for content related to passing of the Homosexual Law Reform and Civil Union Act; two acts that have dramatically featured in New Zealand Queer politics in recent times.

This widget is set up to locate newspaper articles, photographs and "community content" using the string [Homosexual OR "Civil Union"]. One of the treasures unearthed is this photo from New Zealand History Online, an initiative of ManatÅ« Taonga, Ministry of Culture and Heritage, of what appears to be worship of Sonja Davies:
Many public figures were drawn into groups supporting or opposing law reform. Here, reform supporters Sonja Davies (left) and Lloyd Geering (right) talk with the bill's sponsor, MP Fran Wilde, and Bill Logan of the Gay Task Force. Accessed from http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/homosexual-law-reform-supporters.
I have a few problems with this search tool primarily that DigitalNZ provide any guidance on how the search works. Indeed, it seems as if entering terms in the box simply run a search in the results run by the string behind the widget. More clarity in search procedure will help patrons identify best use of the widget.


Of course, the amount of content that is available varies by subject to subject. Though, this is one of the strengths of the widget; DigitalNZ states that much of the content users can search is not available through search engines. Using this interface opens up access to content provided by people who are eager to get their content out there and used. The New-Zealand focus makes this content much more useful to both local and international communities who desire to use our content. 

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