The Archivi.ng Finding Aid: Empowering Historical Research

Our Vision

At Archivi.ng, we believe that history belongs to everyone. While we've made significant strides in digitising over 100,000 pages of newspapers, we've learned that true accessibility means more than just having digital copies—it means helping people find what they need, wherever it exists.

Why a Finding Aid?

Our journey began with a bold vision of digitising Nigeria's newspapers ourselves. But the archival landscape we encountered was complex: dedicated individual archivists maintaining crucial collections, bureaucratic hurdles in securing partnerships, and copyright restrictions that limit what we can share openly.

Rather than let these challenges stop us, we're evolving. The Finding Aid represents our commitment to being a bridge between historical resources and the people who need them most: they are the researchers, students, educators, historians, and enthusiasts who don't just consume history but create new understanding from it.

What We're Building

Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Our MVP will focus on three core elements:

1. Platform: A public-facing Notion workspace that anyone can access
   • Searchable directory of newspaper collections
   • Simple submission form for people to add information about newspapers they know about
   • Basic verification system for submitted locations
2. Initial Coverage: Starting with the South West
   • The Archivi.ng research team and student network will create an initial list of archives and libraries
   • Focus on documenting newspaper collections in major institutions
   • Build relationships with key archivists and librarians
3. Data Structure: Essential information for each entry
   • Newspaper title and date ranges
   • Physical location(s)
   • Access requirements
   • Contact information
   • Condition notes
   • Last verification date

A Living Directory

The Finding Aid will be more than a list—it's a dynamic resource living on our public Notion workspace. It will help answer the fundamental question: "Where can I find this newspaper?" Whether it's in a state library, university archive, or private collection, we'll help connect people with the resources they need.

Our Approach

We're starting where the need is greatest and expanding thoughtfully:

1. Phase 1 (1 - 3 months) : South West
2. Phase 2 (3 - 6 months) : North Central
3. Phase 3 (6 - 9 months) : South East