When one starts an archives, one might find that the summer months can be a slow time. It can be a hard time of year to maintain enthusiasm in volunteers and community members, and a hard time to meet all of the repository’s goals. It’s also a good time to think about which goals we really care to meet.
It’s tempting to judge success of a new community repository in terms of Facebook stats, retweets and blog posts. However, it’s important to remember that the majority of the hard work is often done behind the scenes: the cataloging, arranging, relationship-building.
When it comes to making decisions about what takes priority, keeping material safe and accessible ranks above starting new projects and social media. We don’t need to grow to survive. We’re not a business. Hold on to the material you’ve collected, maintain the accessibility of the collection, and be ready to start new projects when everyone settles down to work in the Fall.
In short: Keep calm and hold on to your shit.
Start an Archives! 