The Spanish archives portals: transparency, interoperability and user orientation

In this paper, the characteristics of fifteen portals of Spanish archives are analyzed. The main goal of the research is to assess their exhaustivity in terms of the information and resources offered, the ease of use, users orientation and interoperability. This research is carried out within the context of the dissemination of cultural heritage in Europe. Among other conclusions, the study reveals a need of improvement in the portals, in order to turn them into more useful tools for making the Spanish archival heritage accessible to any type of user. There is also noted a need for a stronger commitment from de institutions involved on their development and, in general terms, to take advantage of the potential of the Internet to disseminate this heritage and increase the transparency