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Derek Pridemore

Archives have been a part of humanities collective conscious for centuries. In this paper, I plan to explore in what new ways archives are being used, as well as look forward to discover what is next for the profession and the community that uses them as far as further engagement, outreach, usage, and technological improvements to support education for all age groups. Throughout, my paper will focus on how well archives have been utilized by the public in the past, and then analyzing how they are presented and used today by local communities. The future of archives in a diversifying and globalizing twenty first century will also be examined. Technology has revolutionized how communities access archives, yet archival institutions remain largely unchanged on the surface. What is essential for not only the long term survival of archives, but the survival of the idea of their importance to a rapidly changing community, both local and international? What technology is being tested? How is the availability of archives as a public resource presented and how can technology be used to improve this presentation? Finally, what challenges do archives currently face today with regard to outreach and public service? What problems lie ahead, especially with integrating new technology?

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