> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://civic-switchboard.gitbook.io/guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://civic-switchboard.gitbook.io/guide/guide-resources/archival-materials-as-open-data.md).

# Archival Materials as Open Data

**Archival Collections as Open Civic Data Workshop Materials (2026)**

* This workshop guide and supporting slides can be used to facilitate a workshop on transforming archival materials and making them available as open civic data. This workshop supports the library role "Creating Civic Data." This workshop can be done with MLIS students or library workers.
* The [workshop guide](https://github.com/civic-switchboard/guide/blob/master/toolkit/ArchivalCollectionsCivicData_Guide.odt) overviews the learning objectives, time and materials needed, and activities for participants to complete. Click "view raw" to download the file from GitHub.
* The [slides](https://github.com/civic-switchboard/guide/blob/master/toolkit/ArchivalCollectionsCivicData.pptx) offer an introduction to transforming archival materials to open civic data and overviews the workshop activities. Slide notes are included for facilitators. The slides can be used during the workshop to guide participants. Click "view raw" to download the file from GitHub.

**Participatory Heritage Framework (2026)**

This framework is designed to support the design and implementation of a participatory heritage project. We define participatory heritage by adapting Gilliland and McKemmish’s framing of participatory archives. Participatory heritage practices center the expertise and lived experiences of individuals and community groups outside of institutions, recognizing that “multiple parties have rights, responsibilities, needs and perspectives with regard to the archives” (Gilliland and McKemmish, 2014, p. 81).

This framework is shared in the forthcoming edited volume Participatory Heritage Revisited (Facet Publishing, edited by Henriette Roued and Andrea Copeland). It is a tool for making intentional decisions about how power and responsibility are shared between institutional and community partners in a heritage project.

This framework was developed In  our work on the **Archival Collections as Open Civic Data.** We incorporate Lina Dostilio's Participation Continuum to encourage reflection on project design.

The Framework can be downloaded through [Google Docs](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pOiZM8iMKEy0PWAFnrNyHSVuJxz21MFFXMMb8UtS2Qc/edit?usp=sharing).

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