This session explores how online discovery helps cultural heritage organisations unlock their collections to make history truly accessible. Casper Smithson, COO at TownsWeb Archiving / PastView, will discuss how structured, metadata-rich, and searchable collections transform archives into discoverable, usable resources.
Casper will demonstrate how cross-functional teams (archivists, marketing, communications, IT, stakeholders) can collaborate seamlessly, whether on-site or remotely, to manage, explore, and share content efficiently. He will also discuss how unlocking access transforms preserved collections into active assets, surfacing hidden stories and bringing material to life for both organisations and audiences.
Talking points:
- Access first - Digitised collections are only valuable if teams can access and use them.
- Searchable material - Metadata and taxonomy alignment make archives discoverable and connected.
- Collaboration - Cross-functional teams can work together effectively, regardless of location.
- From storage to use - Collections become active resources for research, heritage, and internal teams.
- Uncovering stories - Improved access surfaces milestones and stories that would otherwise remain buried.
Overall impact:
Unlocking collections transforms preserved material into active, usable, and engaging history.