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Coventry University researcher, Dr Rachel Matthews, has launched an initiative to preserve the historical and physical archives of local newspapers
A Coventry University researcher is bringing together experts, archivists, and community groups to create a network to preserve the historical archives of local newspapers.
With local newspapers transitioning to digital formats and closing their physical offices, the physical materials accumulated over the years – such as photographs and article cuttings – are in danger of being lost.
According to Dr Rachel Matthews, who has 15 years of experience working in the local newspaper industry, without a formal system to save physical archives, or a recognition of their importance, most material is simply thrown away.
Matthews works at Coventry University’s Research Centre for Arts, Memory, and Communities. With this new project she is collaborating with Gary Collins, an experienced archive specialist, to develop a new approach to acquiring, cataloguing and making physical archives more accessible.
Matthews says: “Local newspaper archives are often the only repository for the stories that tell the history of a place. This project is a vital step in safeguarding that history. In addition, they are key artefacts relating to journalism history and tell the story of the local newspaper itself.
“By collaborating with local groups, we can ensure that the heritage captured in our local newspapers are protected for future generations to explore and appreciate.”
The project will develop guidelines for the salvage of newspaper records, working with stakeholders to map existing newspaper collections in the Midlands, understand current preservation efforts, and identify areas where additional support is needed to ensure their long-term sustainability.
A central aspect of the project, funded by a grant from The National Archives, is the development of a comprehensive toolkit to guide people in preserving newspaper archives effectively. Four workshops will bring together specialists in cataloguing, intellectual property rights, and digital preservation, which will collectively shape the toolkit’s content.
The project also aims to collaborate closely with community groups to formalise and strengthen grassroots preservation efforts.
A toolkit will be published online as part of the project, which will be accessible to archivists, community groups, and the public. A formal launch event will celebrate the project’s outcomes and establish a long-term network dedicated to preserving local newspaper heritage.
Jack Butterworth, head of research, grants, and academic engagement at The National Archives, says: “The Resilience Grants programme is designed to help archive services create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the heritage sector.
“We are therefore very proud to support Coventry University in their efforts to develop a new network and toolkit for organisations looking to preserve local newspaper archives, particularly at a time when records of this nature are so vulnerable.”
In addition to drawing on professional archival practices, the project recognises that local communities have often been the first responders in preserving valuable records before they are lost forever.
