The ArcLight Integration Project will transform how researchers and students interact with archival materials by developing a unified system for discovering and accessing both physical and digital collections. This initiative will significantly enhance the accessibility of primary source documents and rare materials, making them easier to explore both on-campus and online. By improving these access points, the project will empower UAlbany students to conduct in-depth research and engage more effectively with primary sources, while also benefiting researchers around the world who rely on these unique collections.

The M.E. Grenander Special Collections, Archives, and Preservation is a national leader in developing innovative systems for digital archives. As the first institution in the nation to implement ArcLight, the department has paved the way for a growing number of major research libraries. This project builds on the department’s track record of securing funding for digital repositories and born-digital archives, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing research with digital archives.

The grant will directly benefit UAlbany students by providing them with enhanced tools to access and engage with primary source materials. The Libraries' extensive collections, which include significant archives related to New York State politics and capital punishment in the United States, are crucial for academic inquiry. This project will make these materials easier to discover and use, supporting students in their research and learning endeavors.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services award LG-256722-OLS-24. The IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.