In the past, academic archives were less visited areas on campus libraries where only scholars went to. In recent years, other departments including technical and reference services in the library have gotten involved with giving access to materials from the archive.

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Several of the following factors have contributed to expanding the definition of academic archives in the past two decades:
- Technological advances
- Merged archives programs
- Shrinking resources in academic libraries
- Need for closer cooperation with records management
- Overlap of archival work with other professions
- Wider range of archival materials available

Factors in Broadening the Definition of Academic Archives

Purcell, A. D. (2012). Academic Archives: Managing the Next Generation of College and University Archives, Records, and Special Collections. Neal-Schuman.

Academic Archives Reference

Advances in technology created better access to archive collections and an increased usage of email and digital documents allowed more communication between academic archivists and university administrators. 

Technological Advances for Academic Archives

Some academic archive programs were integrated into larger departments due to the concern for resource management in some libraries. In many libraries, materials can be found in one room or website rather than in many different spaces. 

Merged Academic Archives Programs

For academic archives, there is always the challenge of allocating resources. One method to deal with shrinking resources include fundraising, renovating storage areas and creating new collection areas, and making new programs.  

Shrinking Resources in Academic Libraries

Many records management programs are either working with or have merged with academic archives in order to cut costs and save resources. 


Need for Closer Cooperation with Records Management

Overlap of Academic Archival Work with Other Professions

Many academic archives are striving to gather materials from a larger amount of perspectives than only the official records from their own institutions. Some programs will actively gather documents from students and faculty, as well as historical materials from nearby communities. 

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