Explore York Libraries and Archives Annual Review 2024-25 - Report - Page 23
Setting the Record Straight
This work is helping us sort out some longstanding problems with our archive collections
with the aim of enabling researchers and our
communities to better use and discover the
stories they contain. Positive feedback from
the Archives Accreditation Panel about this
work was especially encouraging ahead of our
re-application for Accredited Archive status in
2025.
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individual collections processed
= 29.9 cubic metres of records
10,875
descriptions on our archives
catalogue updated
Stories from the People of York
York’s Public Records
The archive is an appointed Place of Deposit
for the City’s public records, such as court
registers. This year we received the final
transfer of paper records from the York
Magistrates’ Court. Our earliest court records
date from the 15th century but from now,
these records will be sent to us in digital form.
Many local groups see the City Archive as
the natural place to keep their important
documents, and this year we received a
diverse range of deposits. A highlight was
the archive from local disability group York
People First. This is a vital addition to our
collections, ensuring the history of disability
in York includes the direct voices and lived
experiences of disabled people.
Digital Archives
In 2024, we welcomed a new archivist
to look after our digital collections materials that were created digitally, as
well as digital copies of paper records. We
work closely with depositors to make it
easier for them to transfer their records.
Digital and analogue records, such as
cassettes, present specific challenges.
One York resident has generously
donated specialist digitisation equipment
to support this work.
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