Introducing UK Archives Discovery Network

Colleagues may be interested to note the progress of the former national archives network development committee. The committee, a relatively informal group of archive networks and representatives of archive services with an interest in cataloguing innovation, have been meeting for the past year to look at how we can take forward the goal of open access to online archive resources without the need for major capital investment. The aims of the network include working together in the best interests of archive users, surfacing descriptions, opening up data, sharing experiences and increasing links between repositories and networks.

At a meeting on 6 August 2009 it was agreed to formalise the existence of the network, renamed the UK Archives Discovery Network.

The meeting also agreed a structure, including steering committee and working groups. The work of UKAD will be taken forward via an agreed framework of priority research areas around interoperability, linking and resource discovery. Once established, this will allow network members to identify smaller projects and pilots which contribute to the overall framework. This should allow us to progress towards a common goal and also to badge small projects as part of the greater effort, which may be of benefit with current and potential funders.