Following a rigorous evaluation process, the UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee is delighted to announce that Cardiff University Library and Northamptonshire Archive Service have been awarded accredited status for the first time. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional standards of these two archive services and their commitment to preserving and providing access to valuable historical records.
The Archive Service Accreditation Panel, which consists of a team of experts from the archive sector, thoroughly assessed the services against a set of rigorous criteria. These criteria cover a wide range of areas including collections management, user services, and governance, to name a few. The panel was particularly impressed by the high quality of the collections held by both Cardiff University Library and Northamptonshire Archive Service, as well as the innovative ways in which they engage with their users.
Cardiff University Library, which holds over 1.5 million items, has a rich and diverse collection that reflects the university’s long history and its role in shaping the local community. The archive service provides a range of user-friendly services, such as online catalogues and digitized collections, to make their resources easily accessible to researchers and the general public. The panel was also impressed by the library’s strong partnerships with local organizations and its active involvement in community projects, which have greatly enriched the understanding of the university’s history.
Similarly, Northamptonshire Archive Service, which holds over 800 years of the county’s history, has been recognized for its outstanding efforts in preserving and promoting the local heritage. The panel commended the service for its excellent collections management practices, which have ensured the long-term preservation of the records. The service’s user services were also highly praised, with the panel noting the wide range of educational and outreach activities offered to schools and community groups. The panel was particularly impressed by the service’s strong digital presence, which has made their collections accessible to a wider audience.
Accreditation is a significant achievement for any archive service, and it is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to preserve our nation’s history. It is also a mark of quality that gives users confidence in the services they are using. This is why all accredited archive services must reapply for accreditation every six years to ensure that they continue to meet the high standards set by the Archive Service Accreditation Committee.
The UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee is committed to promoting excellence in the archive sector and supporting archive services in their efforts to improve and develop their services. The accreditation process is a valuable tool that enables services to assess their strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. It is also a way for services to showcase their achievements and demonstrate their value to the wider community.
Cardiff University Library and Northamptonshire Archive Service are now part of a growing community of accredited archive services across the UK, which currently stands at 161. This achievement not only reflects the high standards of these two services but also the overall strength and diversity of the UK’s archive sector.
In conclusion, the UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee would like to congratulate Cardiff University Library and Northamptonshire Archive Service on their well-deserved accreditation. We are confident that these services will continue to excel in their work and provide invaluable resources for researchers, students, and the wider community. We also encourage other archive services to consider applying for accreditation and join us in our mission to preserve and promote our nation’s rich history.
