Sustaining Community Archives in the Post-Custodial Digital Environment

Abstract This paper examines the impact of the “scan and return” practice on the sustainability of community archives, presenting a case study of a local community archive in rural Colorado, United States. The “scan and return” approach refers to a practice adopted in the post-custodial digital environment where original materials are returned to owners after digital surrogates are created. The model offers benefits for diversifying representation in archival collections and expanding collaboration with communities. However, the case study demonstrates the risks that the “scan and return” approach poses to the sustainability of community archives and emphasizes the importance of practicing responsible digital stewardship. The paper also discusses social factors of sustainability and points to the value of collaboration in sustaining community archives.