Traveling Archivist Program (TAP)

What is TAP?

The Traveling Archivist Program (TAP) travels to your institution bringing some preservation supplies, performs a collections assessment, discusses your procedures and practices, and offers practical recommendations for best practices in the preservation of and access to the special collections held in your repository. TAP is sponsored by the State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) and administered by the State Archives of North Carolina.

Who is Eligible?

All North Carolina repositories whose archival collections document North Carolina history and culture and whose collections are accessible to the public may apply. Repositories can include historical and genealogical societies; public libraries; the archives of colleges, hospitals, and other organizations; historic houses and sites, museums; and other publicly-accessible institutions that hold archival materials. TAP does not provide assistance to institutions that house solely objects or artifacts.

How Do I Apply?

Applications for the TAP program are solicited annually; the application is available on the website of the State Archives of North Carolina only at those times. Please be sure to check the TAP website or our News section on a regular basis for up-to-date information.

How Does the Process Work?

TAP works with 5 or 6 organizations each year, which SHRAB selects based on a variety of factors, including how well they can match needs to existing resources, geographical diversity, and organizational diversity.

Once applications are received, they are evaluated, and you receive a letter admitting you to the program. Our traveling archivist will contact you to survey your specific needs, set up a time for the TAP visit and let you know what to expect.

What is My Responsibility?

Institutions selected for site visits from the Traveling Archivist must agree to complete a follow-up evaluation intended to measure the effectiveness of the program, agree to help promote the work of the TAP in their local communities, and work time directed to implement TAP recommendations.

Community colleges who have participated in TAP so far are:

  • Central Piedmont Community College, 2010
  • Rockingham Community College, 2010
  • Surry Community College, 2010
  • Lenoir Community College, 2012
  • Roanoke Chowan Community College, 2013 and 2021
  • Edgecombe Community College Library, 2014
  • Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Library, 2019
  • Sandhills Community College, 2021
  • Durham Tech Community College, 2022
  • Cape Fear Community College, 2023
  • Southwestern Community College, 2023
  • Fayetteville Technical Community College, 2023