E-newsletter considered of value

our newsletter archived by national library

[Syzygy]

Just discovered that every edition of one of our e-newsletters is being archived for posterity by the British Library in its digital ESTAR system, which is devoted to 'electronic' publications in the areas of science and technology.

Hmm, don't like the work 'electronic' in this context. Makes me think that it's some sort of interactive and educational battery operated kiddies toy with flashing lights, buttons to push and silly noises to be found..:-)

As the 'editor' of the newsletter - and to a lesser degree, the site from whence it originates - finding that out makes me feel quite proud. It seems slightly weird though as, unlike traditional paper products, electronic media just appears ethereal.

The British Library, I believe, archives every paper product published in the UK (and possibly beyond?) and knowing that every magazine I've ever worked on as editor has been filed away (after being digitally preserved) in a dusty storeroom somewhere - along with millions of others - is just taken as an every day matter of fact.

And, even though the ESTAR system archives the output of some 4,000 electronic publications in the science and technology sectors, it still feels as if some sort of unique recognition or acknowledgement has been bestowed. A weird feeling indeed.

Syzygy