Access Denied? Takedown Policies in Community Archives

<div class="page" title="Page 1"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> Community archives and their digital collections have allowed marginalized communities to access and share their history and materials on their own terms. Yet, as archival collections continue to be digitized and increase in online accessibility, it is important to consider the stakeholders and ethical implications surrounding sensitive materials. Takedown policies are one way in which issues with the digitization of certain materials can be expressed. When present, these policies enable conversations with community members if concerns are raised about digital content. Since community archives place more emphasis on community needs and desires, these mechanisms of conversation build relationships and trust, especially if there is a history of misrepresentation and exploitation by public institutions. As takedown policies do not have a standard structure, this study poses the research question: To what extent do community archives&rsquo; takedown policies contend with the values articulated in their mission statements? </div> </div> </div> </div>