ARCHIV-ALL MSI

The study set out to explore and assess the current state of academic archives in Minority Serving Institutions (MSI). Utilizing Rutger’s University Directory for MSIs, over 700 institutions were addressed, and a preliminary analysis was conducted. To further narrow the scope a survey was disseminated to the leading individuals in their academic archives after information was obtained through the preliminary analysis. There were 167 responses with varying concerns and needs surrounding the state of academic archives within MSIs. Through the interpretation of the survey, the major areas of improvement for the archives surrounded their lack of funding, staffing issues, and minimal awareness of the archives from the student and faculty population. The results provide enough data to map out the challenges and support needs present in MSI communities. As the study evolves, the integration of focus groups will continue to help address specific concerns and challenges faced by the archivists and librarians. Ultimately, the study aims to address the gaps in awareness of the state of these institutions to begin fixing the discrepancies present through the development of a resource and community network of archivists at MSIs.