Resources

Here you can find the best available online advice and guidance for community archives. This list was updated in 2023.

All the resources are grouped by topic and there is also a list of featured resources.

Resources grouped by topic

Running a community archive
Topics in this section will help you start up and run a community archive group. You'll find guidance on managing volunteers and seeking funding.
Managing a collection
What you need to know to create an archival collection. Topics include scanning photos, cataloguing, getting your collection online and preserving your archive into the future.
Sharing a collection
Once you have created a community archive collection, how can you make best use of it? These resources cover promoting your archive on social media, engaging audiences and creating educational material.
Legal issues
Guidance on copyright, data protection and licensing the use of the material in your collection.
Further guidance
Here are some of the resource pages put together by other organisations, including local and national bodies.

Featured resources

Cataloguing guidelines for community archives
These guidelines offer an approach to cataloguing which is realistic and user-friendly. If you follow these guidelines, the records kept by your community project will be consistent with existing widely-used professional catalogue standards.
Duration of copyright: a flowchart
How long does copyright last? This accessible flowchart from the National Archives is ideal for quick reference.
Getting Your Collections Online
How do you get your collections online? This webinar covers the use of various open-source solutions as well as proprietary software. The website is by Jack Latimer of CommunitySites.
Digital preservation for community archives
The Community Archives and Heritage Group (CAHG) has developed these guidelines for community archives. The aim is to provide a practical introduction to digital preservation.