The university of washington will systematically investigate how library needs and best practices related to the development of community archives vary across urban and rural public libraries to…

This Project Grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the National Leadership Grants for Museums (CFDA 45.312) program will provide $399,485 to the University of Washington over a three-year period from August 2024 to July 2027. The project will systematically investigate how library needs and best practices related to the development of community archives vary across urban and rural public libraries, with the goal of enhancing community archives across library systems. Key deliverables include an expanded toolkit and resources to assist libraries in establishing community archives, as well as scholarly publications detailing the project findings. The University of Washington will partner with the Tacoma Public Library to update the toolkit and leverage their expertise in developing community archives within a public library setting.

The university of washington will systematically investigate how library needs and best practices related to the development of community archives vary across urban and rural public libraries to enhance community archives across library systems. This three-year applied research project will explore the roles, challenges, and best practices involved in establishing community archives in diverse library settings; provide funding to develop and implement community archives in urban and rural public libraries; and support a cohort of eight public librarians through community archives training workshops and mentorship. Deliverables will include an expanded toolkit and resources to assist libraries establishing community archives, as well as scholarly publications detailing project findings. This project will benefit public library staff and community members by fostering more inclusive cultural heritage collections. Subrecipient and project partner tacoma public library will support university of washington staff in updating the toolkit and provide their firsthand knowledge and expertise of developing community archives within a public library.