What strategies can you use to manage archival research projects across multiple locations?

2 Choose your tools and methods

Depending on the nature and scale of your archival research project, you may need different tools and methods to collect, store, analyze, and share your data. For example, you may use online databases, digital scanners, cloud storage, spreadsheets, citation managers, transcription software, or data visualization tools. You should choose the tools and methods that suit your research questions, data types, and ethical standards, and that are compatible with your collaborators and locations. You should also document your tools and methods and create a data management plan to ensure consistency and quality.

3 Plan your visits and trips

One of the most challenging aspects of archival research across multiple locations is planning your visits and trips. You need to consider the availability, accessibility, and condition of the archives, the costs and logistics of travel and accommodation, the time and resources you have, and the risks and contingencies you may face. You should plan your visits and trips in advance, but also be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. You should also consult with the archivists and staff of the archives, and follow their rules and guidelines.

4 Organize your data and notes

As you conduct your archival research, you will accumulate a lot of data and notes from different sources and locations. You need to organize them in a way that makes sense to you and your collaborators, and that allows you to retrieve, analyze, and synthesize them easily. You should use a consistent and clear naming and filing system, backup your data regularly, and annotate and cite your sources properly. You should also review and summarize your data and notes periodically, and identify gaps or issues that need further investigation.

5 Collaborate and communicate

If you are working on an archival research project with other researchers, you need to collaborate and communicate effectively and efficiently. You should establish roles and responsibilities, agree on goals and timelines, and coordinate your tasks and outputs. You should also use appropriate communication channels and platforms, such as email, phone, video conferencing, or online forums, to share your progress, feedback, and challenges. You should also respect and acknowledge the contributions and perspectives of your collaborators, and resolve any conflicts or disagreements constructively.

6 Evaluate and disseminate your results

After you complete your archival research project, you need to evaluate and disseminate your results to your intended audiences and stakeholders. You should assess the quality and impact of your research, reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas for improvement or further research. You should also choose the best formats and channels to present and publish your results, such as reports, articles, books, podcasts, or exhibitions. You should also engage with your audiences and stakeholders, and solicit their feedback and responses.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?