Intro to Community Archiving

4-Week Course starts APR 17, 2023

Course Description

What are community archives? How are they different than “traditional” archives? How do you start a community archive? This course will introduce the basics, challenges, and opportunities of community archives, how to plan a community archive, and explore examples of digital and physical community archives. The course is geared toward archive and library professionals.


Learning Objectives

  • Describe and explain what community archives are
  • Plan a community archive project
  • Compare and contrast community archives and traditional archives
  • List the elements of a successful community archiving project


Total Course Hours: 10 Hours/ 1 CEU


"This course has been an excellent learning experience for me. The instructor put together a strong course, with some powerful readings and assignments, and I look forward to continuing my education and working more thoughtfully with our communities and community archives."

- Lynn Prime, Special Collections & University Archives Librarian, Sonoma State University, CA

Your Instructor


Aaisha Haykal
Aaisha Haykal

Aaisha N. Haykal is the manager of archival services at the College of Charleston’s Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture. In this position, she is responsible for collection development, public programming, instruction, reference, and administrative duties. She has been professionally involved in a number of associations including serving in leadership roles within the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH); she previously served on the board of the Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC) in Chicago, IL, and the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board (ISHRAB). Haykal is the former university archivist at Chicago State University (Chicago, IL). She has been involved with community archival projects in Chicago and in southern Illinois. Her research interests include African American history, digital preservation, censorship, and community archiving.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
This course starts on April 17, 2023.
It is an asynchronous online course designed to be completed in 4 weeks.
Participants will spend approximately 2.5 hours each week on viewing lectures, answering quizzes, and completing discussion, reading, and written assignments.
It is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.
When is the last day for enrollment?
Friday, APR 14th
Will the instructor be available for feedback and questions?
Absolutely! Your instructor will provide feedback for each assignment and will be available via email for any questions you may have. A discussion area is also available where participants can post questions.
Will I receive a Certificate of Completion?
In order to receive a Certificate of Completion you must complete the following each week:
1. View all lectures
2. Answer all quizzes
3. Complete all assignments .
You will receive your certificate approximately 2 weeks after the course ends..
How long do I have access to the course material?
You will have unlimited access for three months from the start date of this course.
I am having trouble enrolling. Help!
We're sorry to hear this. Here are some options:
1. Try enrolling with a different browser or with a different device (laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc.)
2. Email us at [email protected] and request that we send you an invoice. You can pay through the link provided in the invoice.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, Contact us in the first 14 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!