Latest accredited archive services announced

UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee Announces New Accredited Archive Services

The UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee has recently completed a panel review and is delighted to announce that two archive services have been awarded accredited status for the first time. The services that have met the strict criteria for accreditation are Cardiff University Library and Northamptonshire Archive Service. This is a great achievement and reflects the hard work and dedication of the staff at both services.

Archive Service Accreditation is a prestigious recognition that acknowledges the high standard of archival practice and services provided by the accredited archive services. The accreditation process is rigorous and includes assessment against a set of 31 criteria, covering areas such as governance, collections management, and access and outreach. It is a thorough evaluation that assures the public of the quality of services and collections offered by the accredited archive services.

Both Cardiff University Library and Northamptonshire Archive Service have proven themselves to be excellent examples of best practice in the archival field. Their commitment to managing and preserving their collections to the highest standards, and their efforts to make them accessible to a wide range of users, have made them stand out in the archive community.

Cardiff University Library has a long history of preserving and making available its extensive and varied collections, which cover a wide range of subjects. With over 1.2 million items, including manuscripts, rare books, and archives, the library’s collections are a treasure trove for researchers and the public alike. The archive service has also excelled in its outreach activities, engaging with diverse communities and promoting its collections through innovative events and exhibitions.

Similarly, Northamptonshire Archive Service has been a vital resource for researchers and historians, with its impressive collection of over 8000 linear meters of archives and 200,000 books, maps, and photographs. The service has also been highly commended for its efforts to connect with the local community and provide educational opportunities for young people.

The UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee was thoroughly impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm shown by both Cardiff University Library and Northamptonshire Archive Service towards the accreditation process. Both services have demonstrated a strong understanding of the importance of maintaining good archival practice and ensuring that their collections are accessible to all.

Accredited status is not a one-time achievement, and all accredited archive services must reapply for accreditation every six years to retain their status. This ensures that accredited services continue to maintain the high standards expected of them and continue to strive for excellence in all areas of archival practice.

The UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee is also pleased to announce that 14 accredited archive services have successfully reapplied for accreditation and have retained their status. These services include the National Archives at Kew, the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, and the British Library. This is a testament to their ongoing commitment to providing outstanding services to their users.

The accredited archive services play a crucial role in not only preserving the nation’s history but also in promoting education, research, and public engagement. They provide a wealth of information that helps us better understand our past and informs our present and future. Their accreditation inspires public trust and confidence in their services and encourages collaboration and partnership within the archive community.

We would like to congratulate the newly accredited services, Cardiff University Library and Northamptonshire Archive Service, and all the reaccredited services for their exceptional work. The UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee looks forward to working with them and the entire archive community in promoting and advancing the importance of archival standards and practices.

The full list of accredited archive services can be found on the UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee’s website. We encourage all archive services to strive for excellence and consider going through the accreditation process. It is a valuable opportunity to review and improve upon current practices and ensure that the collections are preserved for generations to come.

Once again, congratulations to all the accredited services, and we look forward to continued success in the future.