Crashing Through the Surface

What is a surface

At Anderson Archival, the term surface has a slightly different meaning than it does in most industries. The word surface is typically defined as “the outer layer of something.” While that remains true, in the archival community, it also refers specifically to the number of surfaces requiring a scan or capture to fully digitize a […]

Why Outsource? Digitizing In-House vs. Outsourcing

Struggling to digitize your collection in house?

It can be tempting to see the photocopier in the corner of your office and imagine digitizing your collection over time, if only to avoid the costs associated with finding a vendor to handle it. However, in-house digitization is rarely that simple. Digital preservation is no longer the future of archiving but the current standard […]

Digitization Standards and Practices

measuring tape graphic

By Archives Technician Shana Scott What value does an archive or historical collection provide if it can’t be shared? Access and useability help bring a collection to life, allowing visitors and patrons to discover history that otherwise would be lost to them. But how do you provide that access and sharing while still preserving and […]

Digitization of Museums: Transforming Experience in the Digital Age

Boy On Trip To Museum Looking At Map And Writing In

By Team Lead Marcia Spicer Museums have always been regarded as the interpreters and caretakers of history, science, art, and culture. Immersing oneself in historical artifacts and knowledge can create impressions that last a lifetime. Witnessing displays of historical artifacts firsthand allows patrons to experience history in ways that static exhibits alone can’t convey. Digitization […]

Securing Your Legacy: Realistic Tips for Digital Preservation and Archiving

rusty lock

By Team Lead Marcia Spicer In a world where technology evolves at lightning speed, preserving your company’s legacy and the documents and artifacts that create your story can be a daunting task. Whether it’s decades-old documents, photographs, or digital files, maintaining an organized and accessible archive is essential. Here are six (6) realistic tips to […]

Anderson Archival’s Shana Scott Commits to ARMA

The board of St. Louis's chapter of ARMA featuring co-chair of programming, Shana Scott

Shana Scott (second to left) with the ARMA STL board By Team Lead Marcia Spicer We are proud to announce that Shana Scott, Archives Technician at Anderson Archival, has been appointed the Co-Director of Programming for the St. Louis Chapter of ARMA International (Association of Records Managers and Administrators)! This significant accomplishment highlights Shana’s dedication […]

Discover the Magic of Large-Format Document Digitization and Enhance Your Collection

Blueprints need to be captured on a large-format scanner

Ever wondered how to digitize those larger-than-life documents in your collection? Whether it’s oversized newspapers, record books, or even maps and blueprints, we’ve got you covered! At Anderson Archival, we’re here to guide you through the process and ensure that your valuable items are preserved with the utmost care, all while giving your collection a […]

Partnering for Success

growing nurturing a plant

By Team Lead Marcia Spicer How many times have you encountered good work that didn’t quite meet your needs? I recently spoke with an organization that just concluded work with a digitization vendor. The vendor performed high quality digitization work—I can confirm. However, the manner in which the files were delivered made them essentially unusable […]

Exploring Family History Worry-Free

WWII POW belt buckle

POW belt buckle. Image provided by Christopher Parrish and used with permission.  By Team Lead Marcia Spicer While much of the country braced for a pre-Christmas polar vortex and snowstorm, I got to speak with Christopher and Molly Parrish via Teams from our respective homes. The Anderson Archival team has fond memories of digitizing their […]

Reconnecting with Corporate History Through a Functional Archive

electrical workers

What do local historians and corporations around the country have in common? One answer: a passion for historical corporate legacy. St. Louis-based Guarantee Electrical Company has been lighting up communities since its inception in 1902 to power the 1904 World’s Fair. Over a century later, Guarantee continues to impact not only the St. Louis skyline […]