1 Digitize and catalog

One of the most effective ways to make archival materials more accessible is to digitize and catalog them using appropriate standards and tools. Digitization can enhance the preservation and security of archival materials, as well as increase their discoverability and availability online. Cataloging can help users find and access relevant archival materials based on their metadata, such as title, author, date, subject, and format. Libraries can use various platforms and software to digitize and catalog their archival materials, such as CONTENTdm, ArchivesSpace, Omeka, and DSpace.

2 Collaborate and network

Another strategy to make archival materials more accessible is to collaborate and network with other libraries, archives, and organizations that share similar interests and goals. Collaboration and networking can help libraries share resources, expertise, and best practices, as well as create joint projects and initiatives that can benefit their users and communities. For example, libraries can participate in consortia, networks, and portals that aggregate and showcase archival materials from different institutions, such as the Digital Public Library of America, the World Digital Library, and the Internet Archive.

5 Evaluate and improve

A fifth strategy to make archival materials more accessible is to evaluate and improve their archival services and collections based on the feedback and data from their users and stakeholders. Evaluation and improvement can help libraries measure the impact and effectiveness of their archival services and collections, as well as identify the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and gaps and needs of their archival practices. For example, libraries can use surveys, interviews, focus groups, analytics, and metrics to collect and analyze the user satisfaction, behavior, and outcomes of their archival services and collections. Libraries can also use benchmarks, standards, and best practices to compare and improve their archival performance and quality.

6 Advocate and support

A sixth strategy to make archival materials more accessible is to advocate and support the role and importance of archival services and collections in the library and society. Advocacy and support can help libraries secure and sustain the resources, policies, and partnerships that are essential for their archival services and collections, as well as demonstrate their value and impact on the learning, research, and cultural development of their users and communities. For example, libraries can use stories, testimonials, case studies, and reports to communicate and showcase their archival achievements and challenges, as well as solicit and acknowledge the contributions and collaborations of their users and stakeholders.