Constrained Futures: Factors affecting public library engagement with community archives

Abstract

Research Problem: Within the New Zealand context, recent research suggests that while community archive content accounts for only a small amount of holdings in public libraries in New Zealand, these institutions are among the best located to provide focused and strategic support for community archives, and have much to contribute to ensuring the sustainability of these collections. How institutions plan and implement this, and the factors that affect their ability to do so, remains a significant gap in the scholarship on the subject. This study identifies the factors that affect the ability of institutions, in this case public libraries, to provide support to community archives.

Methodology: This study employs a qualitative approach to address the research problem. Structured long-form interviews were conducted with six heritage staff from the Heritage Unit of Auckland Libraries.

Results: A limitation of this study was the small sample population of library staff. Regarding the factors affecting public library support of community archives; the study found that public libraries face a significant challenge to address the constraints of institutional policies that impact on their support of community archives, but that opportunities for collaboration provide the means to overcome these challenges.

Implications: This research contributes to the dialogue about community archives in the New Zealand context. It provides an understanding of the ability of public library institutions to contribute to the sustainability of community archives, and provides an analysis of the challenges faced by staff when navigating the challenges posed by this relationship. The research also acknowledges that despite the challenges, the development of new collaborative initiatives provides insight into future pathways for engagement between institution and community archives.