The document outlines archive collections as original records maintained for purposes beyond their creation, serving as essential historical research materials. It emphasizes the need for collaboration with local heritage organizations to promote preservation, provide training, and improve access to these collections while encouraging public engagement through events and exhibitions. Additionally, it highlights the importance of mapping archive resources across the Western Isles and leveraging partnerships to enhance awareness and utilization of local historical sources.

1. Tasglann nan Eilean Siar 7 May 2011

2. What are archive collections? Original & unique Records created by an individual, organisation or body created in the course of their business Kept for a purpose other than that which they were created for Formats: Documents, volumes, photographs, audio & film, digital One of the raw material of historical research Archives can be bias

3. Aims Map archive collections held across the Western Isles held elsewhere Disseminate this information Exploit and provide access

4. In doing this: Support and champion the Comainn Eachdraidh and wider heritage sector Encourage preservation of records by private custodians Provide training and support in a constructive, useful manner Work in partnership with other heritage bodies

5. Mapping Businesses Public sector Community groups / enterprises Overseas

6. Voluntary-led Heritage Sector Assist with archive collections Celebrate and champion these collections Identify funding pots Work in partnership Education packs? Events? Exhibitions? Special projects?

7. Training on offer Cataloguing and arrangement Using own collections A useful output Delivered in a manner that suits you and your systems Oral History Marketing / promotion / digitisation Specific requests

8. Project Website Bilingual website Direct potential users to archives through providing summary data Champions archives in their locations Provide tasters of whats held e.g. selected digitised images, documents and media Disseminate project outputs

9. Coming months Greater presence from Barra to Berneray Education packs Importance of local sources Differences across the Islands Partnerships

10. Contacts [email_address] Twitter: www.twitter.com/tasglann www.cne-siar.gov.uk/archives 01851 822 750