Getting Started with ArchivesSpace
New to ArchivesSpace? We've put together a number of resources to help you get started using ArchivesSpace.Downloading ArchivesSpace
ArchivesSpace is a browser based system that is free to download and use.
Making a Case for ArchivesSpace Membership
While the ArchivesSpace application is free to download and use, ArchivesSpace does have a membership model to support the continuing development of the application and support its community. Only ArchivesSpace members contribute directly to the development and sustainability of the application and are entitled to all member benefits.
Sandbox Environment
If you have not yet installed ArchivesSpace, or if you would like to test or practice exercises in ArchivesSpace outside of your installed instance, we have a sandbox that is an open play space.
Access Credentials
Use the username admin and the password admin to access the full functionality of the application.
Note
The sandbox is cleared out frequently and should not be used for anything you want to keep or don’t want anyone else to see.
Demos & Webinars
We maintain a YouTube channel that contains demos, webinars and forums about our application.
ArchivesSpace Workshops
We also have a selection of recorded ArchivesSpace workshops covering a variety of topics. You can review all previously recorded workshops in the workshops section of our YouTube Channel.
ArchivesSpace 4-session Basics Training
Recordings of our virtual 4-session ArchivesSpace Basics training are also available on YouTube. This training was offered in October 2021 and uses ArchivesSpace v3.1. The 4 sessions are as follows:
Session one
Application overview, accession record & single-level resource record creation.
Session Two
Multi-level resource records, container management & rapid data entry methods.
Session Three
Creating digital object, agent and subject records.
Session Four
Location record creation, importing, exporting, data clean-up & customization.
See How Others Are Using ArchivesSpace
ArchivesSpace is being used by institutions around the world. See how others are using our software.
General Resources
Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)
From the Society of American Archivists, DACS is “a set of rules for describing archives, personal papers, and manuscript collections, and can be applied to all material types. It is the U.S. implementation of international standards (i.e., ISAD(G) and ISAAR(CPF)) for the description of archival materials and their creators.”
DACS is the “out of the box” descriptive standard used by ArchivesSpace. If you are implementing ArchivesSpace and would like to use a different descriptive standard (like ISAD(G)) as your descriptive standard, you can do so by modifying tooltips within ArchivesSpace and through written internal documentation about using ArchivesSpace.
Additional reading:
The Archives for Black Lives of Philadelphia Anti-Racist Description Resources
The Society of American Archivists Standards Portal
The Society of American Archivists’ Archival Fundamentals Series
The Academy of Certified Archivists’ Handbook for Archival Certification’s suggested reading list