There is no catalogue or list of my archival collection; how can I start making one?

It can be very helpful to have a list of the items in your collection, to ensure that you can find the things you are looking for, that no parts of the collection get lost, and to make it easier to share your collection with other people.

If you are interested in sharing your collection using Your Scottish Archives, please email us via your@scottisharchives.org.uk; we would be happy support you in cataloguing your collection.

Our guide to cataloguing can help you get started in creating a catalogue for your collection, provides explanations of some of the terminology surrounding cataloguing and links to additional resources on starting a catalogue.

If you hold an archive privately, and would like support in listing your archival collection the National Register of Archives for Scotland can offer support. Information on this may be found on the NRAS website.

If you hold a business or organisational archive, you may receive support from the Business Archive Council Scotland

How does Your Scottish Archives work?

Your Scottish Archives works in partnership with Archives Hub to collect catalogue data for archives held in Scotland. The process for this is:

Archive services submit catalogue information to Archives Hub
With each archival repository’s consent, this catalogue information is mirrored in Your Scottish Archives through a digital link known as an API.
When an archival repository wishes to add, amend or delete catalogue data, this can be done at any time through Archives Hub. Each archive holder is given their own Archives Hub account login, and can change their catalogue data at any time.
The digital API link ensures any changes made in Archives Hub are reflected in Your Scottish Archives within 24 hours.

How do I add my archive to Your Scottish Archives?

Get in touch with us, by emailing your@scottisharchives.org.uk, and we’ll help you get started.

Adding your collections is a simple, cost-free process. To do this, you will need to

If you have not already, register with the National Archives to receive an archon code using this simple, cost-free online form.
Register, for free, with Archives Hub
Submit catalogues for your archive – a list or inventory of the materials in your collection. You can do this by using Archives’ Hub’s spreadsheet template or by export from a cataloguing system such as AtoM, Axiell Collections, Calm or Modes.