S13: Building Archival Collections Through Collaborative Projects

Abstract

Collaborative projects in archives can be as unique and diverse as the collections and histories they are trying to document. Presenters discussed two unique collaborative projects that are ongoing at the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center and the Special Collections and University Archives at Virginia Tech. Despite the two archives being different in sizes, locations, and type, both collaborative projects were started with similar ideas and goals: to create more well-rounded collections to reach new audiences and involving the communities they serve through oral history interviews and public presentations. Presenters expanded on their experiences with the projects, highlighting successes and challenges, with the hope of inspiring similar collaborative projects in other archives.