University at Albany (University at Albany, University Libraries)

The University at Albany, SUNY, with the Empire State Library Network (ESLN), will use ArcLight—a software platform for the discovery and access of archival collections—to decrease barriers to implementing archival discovery and delivery systems and enable under-resourced institutions to provide access to digital objects. ArcLight will integrate discovery and access to digital materials, metadata, and full-text content with archival descriptions. Activities include developing a conceptual model with the archives community, creating an ArchivesSpace plug-in, and piloting it across institutions. The project will enhance digital collections access, reduce implementation barriers and resource costs for systems, and enable repositories to apply the same methods and best practices for large volumes of physical materials to digital materials. Beneficiaries include archival repositories of all sizes, as well as archivists and researchers. ESLN will facilitate collaborative meetings to develop the conceptual model, conduct usability testing, and develop and publicize documentation and results.