This article presents the archiving of archaeological digital datasets in Slovenia in its historic context.The datasets discussed have been separated into three categories: non-reproducible datasets, reproducible datasets, and registries.Several reproducible datasets created by ZRC SAZU have been freely available online since phone grip/stand the early 2000s, but the number of users is small and those benefiting often do not adhere to clearly stated copyright limitations.There is a large discrepancy between the stated interest and the actual usage of reproducible, let alone non-reproducible, online datasets disseminated as open access.In addition, adherence to fair use cannot be expected unless enforced.
The key outcome ZMA of this study is that it has exposed a total absence of systemic archiving practice for non-reproducible digital datasets.The article concludes with recommendations and next steps that could be taken to address these issues in future.First and foremost, a systemic approach to digital archiving is urgently needed if the irreversible damage to the decades worth of born-digital non-reproducible digital data is to be averted.