Building a new Archives Department at Boston Public Library

Currently laying the foundation and putting up scaffolding for a new Archives Department at Boston Public Library. You can browse our collections at archives.bpl.org (powered by ArchivesSpace!)

Our mission…

The Boston Public Library Archives Department facilitates open and equitable public access to archival collections held by the library. In partnership with Special Collections department staff, the department arranges, describes, and preserves our archival holdings using iterative and sustainable practices. Through reference support, user-centered discovery, and adherence to national standards for archival description, the department works to meet the needs of BPL users and adapt as research practices change over time. The Archives Department aims to describe BPL’s archival collections in ways that are inclusive and respectful to those who create and use them and the people and communities these collections represent.

Processing the Saul Steinberg Papers @ the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library