In October 2024, Concordia Library’s Special Collections and Archives and COHDS signed an agreement to transfer preservation copies of our archival collections to the library for long-term digital preservation. By now, the transfer is well under way, and we are thrilled (and relieved) that the oral histories and accompanying materials entrusted to us will be preserved according to the best conservation practices in the field.
Over the past two decades, COHDS has accumulated thousands of interviews, reflections, transcripts, photographs and event recordings. Early donations often came in the form of a VHS tape or DVD disc, which were digitized for ease of access. As time went on, donations came in the form of digital transfers. In either case, long-term digital preservation represented a challenge beyond the scope of our centre.
This transfer had been five years in the making. It is the first time that Special Collections and Archives has accepted a Concordia archival collection in its entirety. Many thanks to the entire Special Collections team, and, particularly so, Alexandra Mills, Head, Special Collections and Archives, and Pat Riva, Concordia’s Associate University Library for agreeing to be the digital custodians of these collections for decades to come. We wish to acknowledge the vision and hard work of the Special Collections team and are grateful for its embrace of the principle of “sharing authority” that is embedded in our archival philosophy and so central to our oral history practice.
Visiting researchers and community members can still access our rich digitized collection here at COHDS. We also continue to welcome donations. In future years, researchers will be able to delve into the COHDS archives both at our centre and at Concordia Special Collection and Archives, making this rich collection of oral histories, life stories, and accompanying materials even more accessible.
