Creating Access to HBCU Library Alliance Archives: Needs, Capacity, and Technical Planning - A Focus Group Study

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Connor

A focus group study examines how the HBCU Library Alliance can create access to its archives through needs, management capacity, and technical planning. Authored by Sharon Ferguson Freeman and supported by the Mellon Foundation, the report synthesizes pre-focus and focus group work to present findings on archives and special collections, values, priorities, COVID-19 impact, and additional challenges. It closes with conclusions and actionable recommendations for describing, digitizing, and sustaining shared archival resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages72

Reading Time3 h 1 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

Introduction

Literature Review

Methodology

Pre-Focus Group Work

Focus Group Work

Presentation of Findings

1. Description and Significance of Archives and Special Collections

2. Management and Capacity

3. Values

4. Priorities, Needs, and Aspirations

5. COVID-19 Impact

6. Additional Challenges and Opportunities

Conclusions and Recommendations

References

Appendix A: IRB Approval

Creating Access to HBCU Library Alliance Archives: Needs , Capacity, and Technical Planning A Focus Group Study Sharon Ferguson Freeman March 2022 CounCil on library and information resourCes Creating Access to HBCU Library Alliance Archives: Needs, Capacity, and Technical Planning A Focus Group Study Sharon Ferguson Freeman March 2022 Copyright @ 2022 by Council on Library and Information Resources Text only of this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License Images are subject to copyright and may not be shared without permission Cover credits, clockwise, from top left: George Washington Carver oversees a student conducting soil analysis, Tuskegee Institute (University), Francis Benjamin Johnston, 1902, courtesy Tuskegee University Archives, Photographs Collection; Fisk University Bulldogs Football Team, 1897, courtesy Fisk University, John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library, Fisk Photograph Collection; Marching in support of movement to release Black Panther Huey Newton from prison, courtesy James G. Peeler Photograph Collection, Inez Moore Parker Archives, Johnson C. Smith University; Group photo of the wedding party of Marie Moss, courtesy Xavier University of Louisiana. Center: Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn., courtesy Meharry Medical College Library and Archives This report and its underlying research activities were made possible with the generous support of the Mellon Foundation Published by Council on Library and Information Resources 211 North Union Street, Suite 100-PMB1027 Alexandria, VA 22314 Contents About the Author iv Acknowledgments iv Foreword, by Charles Henry and Sandra Phoenix 1 Executive Summary 3 Introduction 7 Literature Review 7 Methodology 8 Pre-Focus Group Work 9 Focus Group Work 11 Presentation of Findings 12 1. Description and Significance of Archives and Special Collections 12 2. Management and Capacity 18 3. Values 23 4. Priorities, Needs, and Aspirations 26 5. COVID-19 Impact 29 6. Additional Challenges and Opportunities 33 Conclusions and Recommendations 43 References 47 Appendix A: IRB Approval 48 Appendix B: Consent Forms 51 Appendix C: Participating Institutions 54 Appendix D: Focus Group Discussion Guide 55 Appendix E: Creating Access to HBCU Library Alliance 62 Archives: Needs, Capacity, and Technical Planning, Internal Report, Executive Summary About the Author Sharon Ferguson Freeman holds a doctorate in professional studies in higher education leadership from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. After earning her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science from Tougaloo College, Freeman began her career in higher education as a systems analyst in the James Herbert White Library at Mississippi Valley State University, where she currently serves as the assistant vice president for institutional research and effectiveness. She has taught research methods at Delta State University while also serving as a competitive grant program evaluator for the US Department of Education. With a focus on informed decision-making, Freeman has extensive experience in the fields of strategic planning, data analysis, institutional effectiveness, outcomes assessment, and higher education quality assurance. She currently serves as an evaluator and university liaison for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the regional accrediting body for southeastern states. Acknowledgments Sincere appreciation is extended to the Council on Library and Information Resources and the HBCU Library Alliance for the opportunity to participate in this study. Thank you Sandra, Becca, and Christa for supporting me, Portia, and Synatra every step of the way. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the deans, directors, and library professionals throughout the HBCU librar

FAQs

What is the purpose of the report on HBCU library archives?

The report aims to support access to HBCU Library Alliance archives by identifying needs, management capacity, and technical requirements. It also makes the case for investments needed to assess, house, describe, and digitize “hidden” archival materials.

How were findings developed in the study?

Findings were developed through pre-focus group work and focus group work, followed by presentation of key themes. The report organizes results by description/significance, management/capacity, values, priorities/aspirations, COVID-19 impact, and other challenges and opportunities.

What support made the study possible?

The Mellon Foundation provided funding to support work building consensus on common values, priorities, and needs, and to document minimal requirements for describing and managing special and archival collections across the HBCU Library Alliance community.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Connor