Abstract
Transformative methods of outreach can create an immersive experience in the archival practice, and will perpetuate the work of existing outreach initiatives to create an informed public that is enthusiastic and supportive of cultural heritage and archival institutions. Outreach is a key pillar of archival work. The core of archival outreach is comprised of an active process that merges the identification of the needs of the collection, the mission of the archival organization, and the community a collection represents. Culture, technology, and access are organic—they evolve over time. Subsequently, it is essential for the fundamental processes of outreach to adapt simultaneously.

Community participation, exploration, creation, and interaction with the archive is transformed by outreach. We believe that a mixture of digital and analog outreach, that engages with the public in their own virtual and corporeal spaces, will foster wider community interaction with the archives. This convergence of digital and physical worlds will allow communities to fully engage directly with complex archival and historical principles. We will demonstrate the transformative facets of outreach through our individual projects that include the following: participatory digital archival spaces, case studies like Rutgers Special Collections and Archives social media engagement, and our combined theoretical output regarding grassroots archival development. These programs, combined with transformed archives that represent previously silenced communities, could be instrumental in creating greater inclusivity in the archival profession.

Creation
In the changing landscapes of cultural heritage collection and documentation, archivists are taking a more participatory role. Increasingly, archiving is a collaborative effort between archivists and creators. In the development of new archives, it is imperative to provide tools and training that creators can use to protect materials without inhibiting their existing workflow while respecting original order. In creating new experiences with existing archival materials, archivists are highlighting previously hidden narratives, and allowing for creative approaches to discovery and exploration. Instead of making sense of a collection of materials after acquisition, archivists are enteringunder-represented communities and creating a dialogue that generates the best documentation strategy in light of their needs and goals. We must present the benefits of an archival plan they are comfortable with that accurately addresses their needs. Creating a personal connection, a level of trust between cultural heritage institutions and the community that stems from understanding the language of the community and using it properly, ensures accurate descriptions of the materials. This also promotes research using these materials by the community itself. Identifying as activist-archivists involves recognizing the value of these communities’ work and documenting this work in support of their histor

​Exploration
Digitality has transformed how users connect with archival spaces. Through the exploration of digital archival platforms, visitors absorb archival principles and participate in a nuanced archival experience, similar to trained researchers. Aided by interactive narratives and manipulating data derived from archival materials, visitors begin to understand how available archival sources affect historical analysis, identify bias, interrogate sources, and generate their own critical analysis. Digital archival experiences transform outreach by embedding the archival process within users’ actions and the use of digital materiality, which uses embodied textual dimensions to help users explore materials beyond the text. By arming the public with access to this materiality and principles of archival praxis, we not only transform outreach by creating an experience in which the public can creatively interact with archival material at a “higher” level, we give visitors the tools to critically interact with information, and alter perceptions of the archive by further removing the sense of gatekeeping that surrounds traditional archives. Interrogating ways of thinking about the past can shed light on the present, make the past feel more immediate, and give a voice to previously silenced communities--changing how people view society, themselves, and the role of archives in their daily lives.

Social Interaction
Transforming traditional outreach methods of collaboration between users, institutions, and archivists can be found on social media. While social media is often the last bullet point on an archivist’s to-do list, the development of a social media program can foster inclusive interaction. Archives have set hours, and are physically located in a specific region. Social media is accessible 24/7 to anyone with an account. Using social media, individuals can access collection material they may never have had an opportunity to see in real life. In addition, social media can be an educational tool. Social media provides an opportunity to demonstrate what an archive is and how to use it. “What is this,” “Where is this,” and “Can I see the inside/back/all of this” are all common questions/requests that archives receive on posts. There posts can lead to further  interactions via direct messages with both users and other institutions. Lastly, institutions and individuals on social media participate in coordinated hashtag challenges, which can be reminiscent of collaborative exhibits or libguides. In addition to collaborating with a local archives group, an institution can participate in a group direct message to plan what hashtag challenge will work best, with international institutions. Relationships are fostered through likes, dms, and stories in addition to annual conferences.

Participation
Participation with archival materials can be inspired by interactivity and play. There are several motivating aspects of participation: hedonic experience, usability, and strength of engagement. Hedonic experience considers connections and repulsions through positive and negative interactions; a positive experience will motivate participation. Usability will inspire participation through intuitive design, and ease of use; the fewer roadblocks a user encounters, the greater the desire there is to continue interactivity. Engagement can be motivated by both positive and negative factors. Interaction and play by means of pleasure will engage the user positively, however, negative consequences can also strengthen engagement. Conceptually, in order to transform the archive through participation, it is valuable to acknowledge what motivates participation and strengthens engagement: positive experience or negative consequences. Understanding how to strengthen engagement will increase a sense of value, subsequently increasing a willingness to participate with the archive.


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