Flow Communications has ample experience in the world of heritage and archaeology, having worked closely over the years with the likes of the PanAfrican Association of Prehistory and Related Studies, the Origins Centre at Wits University in Johannesburg, the Maropeng Visitor Centre in the Cradle of Humankind, the Archival Platform at the University of Cape Town, and the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists.
It came as little surprise, then, when ArchSoc, the South African Archaeological Society, approached Flow to develop its new website.
ArchSoc’s aim, as set out in its constitution, is to bridge the gap between archaeology experts and members of the public. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the subject.
ArchSoc, through its new site, needed to respond to the needs of its current members by publicising lectures and events, attract new members, and disseminate knowledge about archaeological research through its publications.
For all of our experience in the field, Flow did come up against some interesting challenges during the course of the project. A culture of openness in their research meant that ArchSoc wanted all of their resources on the site, for the benefit of their members. Loading 190 volumes of the South African Archaeological Bulletin (SAAB) with links to JSTOR onto the site and making sure that these were presented in a professional, organised format, certainly kept us busy.
“ArchSoc was filled with curve balls, such as designing the SAAB section where the site had to be completely different, and managing over 200 publications while making search functions easy for the end user. Luckily, my job was made much simpler through the power of ExpressionEngine,” said Web Developer Reatile Tshikilange.
The site offers information about what the society can offer members, new and old. From detailing membership benefits and branch activities to profiling grants and awards, publication information and current archaeological news, the site is set to be an invaluable resource to all who make use of it.
For a closer look, visit www.archaeologysa.co.za.