Mind the Gap: Adapting Archival Collections for Digital Commons
Location
Dover Library Large Conference Room
Start Date
6-6-2025 10:00 AM
End Date
6-6-2025 10:30 AM
Description
Transitioning archival collections to the digital environment presents unique challenges when reconciling the inherent differences between traditional archival arrangement and the structural framework of the digital platform. This presentation explores the complexities of adapting physical archival collections to Digital Commons.
Initially, our approach was to replicate the physical arrangement within the digital space. The result was a collection that was difficult for users to navigate, diminishing accessibility and discoverability. To overcome these obstacles, we developed practical solutions that make Digital Commons work more effectively for archival collections. This presentation will share strategies, including standardization of metadata, user-centered collection structuring, and use of supplementary documents, to improve usability. We will introduce simple but effective workarounds that improve navigation and access that can be applied to any institutional repository platform.
Additionally, we will discuss our approach to planning large-scale collections with future expansion in mind. By building flexible collection frameworks that allow for future growth, we create sustainable pathways for adding new materials while maintaining consistency and accessibility.
This session will be valuable for librarians, archivists, digital repository managers.
Mind the Gap: Adapting Archival Collections for Digital Commons
Dover Library Large Conference Room
Transitioning archival collections to the digital environment presents unique challenges when reconciling the inherent differences between traditional archival arrangement and the structural framework of the digital platform. This presentation explores the complexities of adapting physical archival collections to Digital Commons.
Initially, our approach was to replicate the physical arrangement within the digital space. The result was a collection that was difficult for users to navigate, diminishing accessibility and discoverability. To overcome these obstacles, we developed practical solutions that make Digital Commons work more effectively for archival collections. This presentation will share strategies, including standardization of metadata, user-centered collection structuring, and use of supplementary documents, to improve usability. We will introduce simple but effective workarounds that improve navigation and access that can be applied to any institutional repository platform.
Additionally, we will discuss our approach to planning large-scale collections with future expansion in mind. By building flexible collection frameworks that allow for future growth, we create sustainable pathways for adding new materials while maintaining consistency and accessibility.
This session will be valuable for librarians, archivists, digital repository managers.