#IAW2025

International Archives Week 2025

We are excited to celebrate the seventh edition of International Archives Week (#IAW2025)! This year’s theme, #ArchivesAreAccessible – Archives for Everyone, was chosen through a global survey completed by over 300 participants.  

As archives continue to evolve in the digital age, expanding access to archival content has become more important than ever. Accessibility is not just about digitisation—it’s about breaking down barriers, fostering inclusion, and ensuring that archives serve and represent diverse communities worldwide. The theme #ArchivesAreAccessible highlights the need for accessible archives for all individuals, regardless of background, ability, or digital access. This year’s focus centres around four key subthemes: 

• Overcoming Barriers to Archive Access: Tackling obstacles like limited resources, lack of awareness, and technical challenges that hinder full participation in archival work. 

• Harnessing Technology to Enhance Access: Exploring how digital innovations, including AI, are transforming the way archives are navigated and made accessible to a wider audience. 

• Archives in Society: Changing Perceptions: Shifting the narrative to recognize archives as key players in shaping cultural identity, governance, and accountability. 

• Inclusion and Representation in Archival Practices: Ensuring that historically underrepresented communities’ voices are included in archival collections, promoting diversity and inclusivity.  

#ArchivesAreAccessible highlights the many ways archives are embracing accessibility, whether by removing physical, digital, linguistic, or cultural obstacles. Through technological advancements, inclusive cataloguing, and community-driven initiatives, archives are becoming more connected and relevant to people everywhere. 

With this central purpose in mind, International Archives Week comes to life through the initiatives organised and shared by our members and the broader community. It brings together professionals, researchers, and the public to showcase innovative approaches to accessibility and engage in meaningful discussions on making archives a shared resource for everyone. These activities reflect the diverse ways in which archives are making an impact within their local and regional contexts. 

Questions? 

For more information about #IAW2025, contact us at communications@ica.org 

Join us for an inspiring week of learning, sharing, and celebrating how archives are becoming more inclusive, open, and accessible to all!