CASE STUDY
Archival Needs Assessment: Enhancing Preservation and Access at Blackburn College
At Blackburn College, the legacy of institutional history and cherished memories are meticulously preserved within an extensive collection of papers and photographs. Former librarians have valiantly assembled these historical treasures from various corners of the campus, consolidating them into a single repository. However, in this era of digital accessibility and evolving archival practices, Blackburn College recognizes the need to assess and modernize its archival endeavors to serve its community better.
Blackburn College Archives
Situated in the picturesque town of Carlinville, Illinois, Blackburn College holds a unique position as one of ten recognized Work Colleges in the country. The college library, comprising a modest team led by a library director, has set its sights on revitalizing its archival resources. The aspiration is to not only preserve the rich history encapsulated in these materials but also to make them readily accessible to alumni and the wider community through digital means.
An early Blackburn College scrapbook.
In July 2023, Emma Prince, Principal of Backog, undertook a comprehensive, day-long visit to Blackburn College. During her visit, Emma engaged with both library staff and students, gaining valuable insights into their previous archival practices. In-depth discussions ensued, covering topics such as past research use cases, the current user base of the archives, and aspirations to expand access to local authors and future students.
Emma Prince's assessment yielded several key findings and recommendations. She identified specific series of records that should be prioritized for rehousing, shedding light on opportunities for better organization within the collection. Furthermore, Emma proposed actionable tasks for students, including the development of digitization workflows and the rehousing of archival items to enhance their preservation and accessibility.
Blackburn sought advice on how to best store and care for their oversized materials.
The Archival Needs Assessment conducted by Emma Prince serves as a strategic roadmap for Blackburn College. This service is particularly valuable for institutions facing constraints, such as limited archival staff working part-time or all-volunteer teams seeking guidance to navigate their extensive collections effectively. The assessment not only outlines a clear path for preserving the college's historical materials but also facilitates gaining intellectual control over the holdings, ensuring they remain a vibrant part of the institution's legacy.
It's important to note that our Archival Needs Assessment is distinct from our Mini Archival Needs Assessment, which is conducted as a one-hour Zoom consultation. The Mini Assessment provides initial insights into your organization's needs and offers high-level suggestions to kickstart your research efforts. In contrast, the full Archival Needs Assessment delivers a comprehensive roadmap tailored to your institution's unique archival requirements, providing a clear path forward to enhance preservation and access to your valuable collections.