“Dundee United has thrown its support behind an innovative new endeavor aimed at preserving the club’s photographic legacy.
Through a generous contribution, the club has joined forces with United fans worldwide to back the Arab Archive’s Digital Memories Project, a fan-driven initiative focused on assembling a comprehensive collection of digital images for its well-established online historical archive.
Established in 2006, the Arab Archive (arabarchive.co.uk) serves as a valuable resource documenting United matches and lineups from 1909 to the present day. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of dedicated United historians, statisticians, and collectors, the website now boasts an extensive record of every significant competitive match played by the club, as well as every player who has donned the shirt in those games.
However, recognizing the evolving landscape of the internet, the administrators of the site believe it’s essential to adapt.
“The digital landscape is constantly evolving,” explains Niall Harkiss, founder and co-administrator of the Arab Archive. “Increased awareness of digital property rights and advancements in artificial intelligence have highlighted the importance of image rights and licensing. As website developers, we now have a responsibility to handle digital media, such as photographs, with care.
“However, these changes come with associated costs. As a volunteer-run, free-to-access website, we faced a dilemma. We could either cease operations or find a viable solution. After careful consideration, we decided to launch the Arab Archive Digital Memories project. The goal of this initiative is to create a digital image library that honors United’s greatest players and moments while ensuring that our meticulously detailed statistical history is complemented by immersive and fitting imagery.”
“Ivan Golac proudly raises the Scottish Cup in Dundee City Square.
Bryan Orr, co-administrator of the Arab Archive, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans worldwide, emphasizing the significance of their contributions in ensuring the growth of the site. He also welcomed Dundee United’s endorsement of the project, hopeful that it would introduce the archive to new, potentially younger supporters.
Joe Rice, Chief Operating Officer of Dundee United, highlighted the club’s pride in supporting the Arab Archive’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of preserving the club’s rich history for future generations. He commended the archive as a vital platform for the global United family and expressed the club’s enthusiasm for its ongoing development.
With the campaign drawing to a close in a few weeks, the archive team is appealing for additional donations to further strengthen its efforts.”
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