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UK archives (in the original "archival" sense of archives), or at least the subset that are already digital, online, and OA, will soon become interoperable and cross-searchable. From a Monica Halpin post to the archives-nra list (June 21): 'The UK's leading archive bodies have agreed a groundbreaking new programme which will revolutionise online access to archives. The programme, aUK, will be a powerful new search engine to connect all of the UK's archives. It will promote the development and digitisation of new archival content, taken from both official records and different kinds of community and independent archives. And it will set new technological standards with a focus on improving interoperability standards and initiating a new strategy for the hosting of the UK's online archives. The members of the scheme are: Chris Batt, Chief Executive of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council; Liz Hallam-Smith, Chair of the National Council on Archives; Gwyn Jenkins, Director of Collection Services of the National Library of Wales; George Mackenzie, Chief Executive of the National Archives of Scotland; Gerry Slater, Chief Executive of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland; Sarah Tyacke, Chief Executive of the National Archives. Sarah Tyacke CB, Chief Executive of the National Archives, said: "This programme will break new ground in enabling people to search online for historical records and information, whether they're researching their family tree, finding out the story of their street, or investigating a school history project. It's a technical solution which will make an enormous difference to the way we manage and access information about our past, and we're all tremendously excited about it."' (Thanks to Paul Miller.) (PS: Apparently the aUK Project does not yet have a website.)Posted by Peter Suber athttp://www.earlham.edu/~peters/fos/2005_06_19_fosblogarchive.html#111946168238759898