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Researcher helps preserve local newspaper records for future generations through community network
Dr Rachel Matthews
Thursday 03 April 2025
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A Coventry University researcher is bringing together experts, archivists and community groups to create a network to preserve the historical archives of local newspapers.
As local newspapers transition to digital formats and close their physical offices, the historical materials they have accumulated over the years—such as photographs and article cuttings that record community life—are in danger of being lost. Without a formal system to save them, or a recognition of their importance, most material is simply thrown away.
Drawing on her 15 years working in the local newspaper industry, Dr Rachel Matthews from the university’s Research Centre for Arts, Memory and Communities, is working with Gary Collins, an experienced archive specialist, to develop a new approach to acquiring, cataloguing and making these valuable archives more accessible.
Local newspaper archives are often the only repository for the stories that tell the history of a place. This project is a vital step in safeguarding that history. In addition, they are key artefacts relating to journalism history and tell the story of the local newspaper itself.
“By collaborating with local groups, we can ensure that the heritage captured in our local newspapers are protected for future generations to explore and appreciate.
Dr Rachel Matthews
The project will develop guidelines for those who step into salvage newspaper records by working with stakeholders to map existing newspaper collections in the Midlands, understand current preservation efforts and identify areas where additional support is needed to ensure their long-term sustainability.
A central aspect of the project, funded by a resilience grant from The National Archives, is the development of a comprehensive toolkit to guide people in preserving newspaper archives effectively. Four workshops will bring together specialists in cataloguing, intellectual property rights and digital preservation, which will collectively shape the toolkit’s content.
The Resilience Grants programme is designed to help archive services create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the heritage sector. We are therefore very proud to support Coventry University in their efforts to develop a new network and toolkit for organisations looking to preserve local newspaper archives, particularly at a time when records of this nature are so vulnerable.
Jack Butterworth, Head of Research, Grants and Academic Engagement at The National Archives
In addition to drawing on professional archival practices, the project recognises that local communities have often been the first responders in preserving valuable records before they are lost forever. By collaborating closely with these community groups, the initiative aims to formalise and strengthen grassroots preservation efforts.
The toolkit will be published online and made accessible to archivists, community groups and the public. A formal launch event will celebrate the project’s outcomes and establish a long-term network dedicated to preserving local newspaper heritage.
Register the Preserving the Local Newspaper Archive event.
Find out more about the Research Centre for Arts, Memory and Communities.
