Midlands and Wales

International Council of Archives: the Section on University and Research Institution Archives

A row of bound sets of old paper

Image credit: trattieritratti

The International Council On Archives Section on University and Research developed an Ethical Archives Project to continue discussion about ethical practices and social responsibility beyond the ICA conference. They engaged with international colleagues of educational and research institutions, starting conversations among archivists in English and Spanish.

Derbyshire Record Office

A screenshot of the Derbyshire Record Office website

Image credit: Derbyshire Record Office

Derbyshire Record Office launched their online catalogue as the culmination of a two-year project to improve the user-friendliness and discoverability of Derbyshire’s archives and collections. The goal was to begin decolonising their catalogues with reconfigured fields and increased person indexing for marginalised communities. Less jargon has made the catalogue more intuitive to search and it’s now easier to browse the collection hierarchy.

Solihull Heritage & Local Studies Service

A man using a virtual reality headset with his view projected on a screen in front of a map of Solihull

Image credit: Solihull Libraries

Solihull Libraries commissioned a local designer to create an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience as part of their Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Their Jubilee Virtual Reali-tea event saw attendees reminisce over old photos, enjoy afternoon tea and experience Solihull High Street from 1953 in VR.

Pembrokeshire Archives & Local Studies

Pembrokeshire Archives building

Image credit: Pembrokeshire Archives & Local Studies and Explore Your Archive

Pembrokeshire Archives & Local Studies collaborated with Explore Your Archive to launch Spotlight, an online exhibition space allowing archives to promote themselves if they have limited access to other digital platforms. They also highlighted their own collections and created three case studies explaining how people can use their research services.

University of Wales Trinity St David Special Collections and Archives

Five copies of the 200 biographies brochure laid on a table with one copy open

Image credit: University of Wales Trinity Saint David

During lockdown University of Wales Trinity St David (UWTSD) prepared for the university’s bicentenary. Special Collections staff developed a project to compile 200 biographies of alumni and staff as a valuable resource for researchers. The project generated a lot of excitement and pride among alumni and the local community, and the Dictionary of Welsh Biography even asked the project to adapt several biographies for them.