The Software

Overcoming Cultural Challenges

The software was developed in response to the specific cultural needs of Anangu. Our innovative software protects and/or restricts access to private and sensitive materials, such as images of people who have passed away. Additional separate archives house materials that are restricted to men or to women. Where possible, Anangu languages such as Pitjantjatjara or Yankunytjatjara are used in place of or in addition to English. Our culturally-sensitive design and eye-catching interface is at the forefront of its field. Our archive is able to fully integrate diverse materials and mixed-media records.

Building the Archive Software

The Ara Irititja software development was commenced as a Local Area Network (LAN) based system in 1995 by the late Greg Fidock. Martin Hughes took charge of the software development in 1997 and has refined it in many stages since then.

In 2007, our software team has completed a working draft of a revised archive using a browser-based platform and our designer, Douglas Mann has created a smart refreshing interface. This will continue to expand its use as an educational, community-centred facility.

The browser-based software will enable a highly creative approach to the delivery of the rich multimedia material into the formal and informal educational systems. New features, based on the project team’s experience and community feedback, will be designed to further draw together family groups to actively participate in the creation of their own historical resource.

Also, moving to a standards-based platform will make it possible for Ara Irititja to be utilised more easily on the banks of networked computers in school libraries and resource centres. For the first time, teachers will have total classroom access to Ara Irititja in the schools, TAFE and tertiary education network systems.

We have commenced the development of this new browser-based software solution and are working collaboratively with Indigenous database users and other interested groups. We are currently seeking funding to support this new development.