New tool opens up access to university’s vast collections

President Jonathan Levin and Provost Jenny Martinez initiated an effort in 2024 to “reduce frictions and help make it easier to get things done.” This is one of a series of features on simplifying work at Stanford.

The challenge

Unlike books and periodicals, Stanford University Libraries’ vast archives are stored in boxes – sometimes hundreds for a single collection – and measured in linear feet. Inventory listings, known as “finding aids,” offered only limited descriptions of contents and visuals. And rather than appearing in the University Libraries’ SearchWorks online catalog, they were accessible through external listings such as the Online Archive of California.

What’s changing

ArcLight, a new open-source software tool, streamlines the process by providing more detailed descriptions and a single, searchable access point for archival collections through catalogues such as SearchWorks. Beyond Stanford, other major university libraries have also implemented ArcLight in their catalogues.

Why it matters

This tool dramatically enhances researchers’ and scholars’ access, putting thousands of collections – including archival records, photographs, maps, and audiovisual materials – at their fingertips.

How it came about

The Digital Library Systems and Services team – system administrators, architects, and software engineers – spearheaded the effort with other research institutions to develop the software.

ArcLight in Action

Rebuilding the Online Archive of California

The California Digital Library launched an upgraded version of the Online Archive of California, completely rebuilt with community-supported open source technologies, including ArcLight. “CDL is excited to join in the ArcLight community’s work to provide a robust, open solution for providing public access to archival descriptions,” said Adrian Turner, CDL senior product manager.

Rediscovering forgotten Rosa Parks images

Using ArcLight-powered websites, Chip Brantley, a University of Alabama instructor and NPR podcaster, and independent researcher Michael DiMaggio discovered forgotten images of civil rights activist Rosa Parks in Stanford archives. “What made the difference for us was how seamlessly everything connected,” Brantley said. “Being able to move between the Online Archive of California, SearchWorks, and Stanford’s archival collections enhanced our discovery and supported our research.”

DiMaggio added: “ArcLight doesn’t just make archives easier to navigate. It helps surface material that researchers might otherwise be easy to miss.”