As part of International Archives Week 2025, the ICA is relaunching “The Archives Are Accessible” map—a global platform for institutions to showcase the ways they are making archives more open, inclusive, and accessible.
This initiative builds on the original map we launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted digital collections and activities that remained available to users during lockdowns. You can explore that original project here.
Now, in line with this year’s IAW2025 theme #ArchivesAreAccessible, the map will highlight projects and strategies that align with four major areas of focus:
- On-site Access – Archives and their Users – Overcoming Barriers
- Digital Access – Harnessing Technology to Enhance Access
- Transparency and Good Governance – Archives in Society: Changing Perceptions
- Inclusion and Representation – Involving Communities
We invite archives in both the public and private sectors, records managers, professionals working with archival materials, and related civil society organisations to contribute by sharing the initiatives you’ve developed to advance accessibility—whether through physical design, digital innovation, community outreach, multilingual engagement, or inclusive programming.
Put Your Project on the #ArchivesAreAccesible Map
Are you working on a project that improves access to archives? Join our global initiative and showcase your work on the #ArchivesAreAccessible Map!
To get started, simply create an account by entering your email address and choosing a preferred password. Once registered, you’ll be able to complete a short form divided into four sections, each designed to help us better understand the different ways the archival community is advancing accessibility. Creating an account also allows you to return and update your entry whenever needed.
After signing in, you’ll be guided through the form, starting with the Main Organisation Details section. You’ll then have the opportunity to select one or more focus areas that best reflect your project or initiative. This will help us accurately feature your contribution on the map, grouped under the theme(s) most relevant to your work.
Help us showcase your impact!
Please fill in all the fields that apply to your organisation or the project you’d like to feature. Any fields left blank will not appear on the map.
Languages:
You can complete the form in English, French, or Spanish. Your submission will be published in the language you choose—automatic translation is not available on the map. However, if your browser supports it, you can right-click on the page and select “Translate to…” for on-screen translation.
Moderation process:
Once you submit your entry, it will be reviewed by our team before being published. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your contribution appears on the map.
