Archivist, Black Heritage Preservation Specialist

A’isha L. Abdul Rahman, M.L.I.S. Ph.D

With the use of the latest technology and my natural talents as a visionary, I offer specialized consulting services focused exclusively on strategic planning for galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAMs). My role is to provide expert advice, guidance, and tailored strategies that empower institutions to achieve their goals and enhance their impact.

My intersection of technology, culture, and traditional archival records management makes me unique among my peers. My technical expertise along with a background is not something that everyone can provide.

My consulting services are designed to empower GLAM institutions to navigate complex challenges, make informed decisions, and strategically plan for a successful and sustainable future. By focusing on strategic planning, I help organizations clarify their direction, prioritize their efforts, and achieve their mission with confidence.

Aisha Abdul Rahman, Second Life Avatar

Consultation & Strategic Planning 

  • Archival Assessment and Strategic Planning
    • I conduct comprehensive assessments of your current archival practices, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. Based on this analysis, I develop strategic plans that align with your institution’s mission and long-term goals.
  • Digitization Strategy Development
    • I help you create a tailored digitization strategy, prioritizing which materials to digitize, selecting the right technologies, and ensuring that your digital assets are preserved and accessible for the future.
  • Preservation Planning and Environmental Control
    • I provide expert advice on preserving your collections, including recommendations for optimal storage conditions, environmental controls, and conservation techniques to extend the life of your materials.
  • Records Management Consultation
    • I assist in designing and implementing effective records management programs that comply with legal requirements and industry standards. This includes creating retention schedules, organizing records, and managing electronic records.
  • Digital Asset Management and Preservation
    • I offer guidance on setting up and maintaining digital asset management systems to store, organize, and retrieve your digital files. I also help develop long-term digital preservation strategies to ensure that your digital assets remain accessible and secure over time.
  • VR and AR Implementation for Archives
    • I provide consultation on implementing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies within your institution. This includes advising on the selection of platforms, content creation, and the integration of VR and AR into existing programs to enhance user engagement and accessibility.
  • Policy Development and Compliance
    • I guide you in developing or updating archival policies, such as acquisition and deaccessioning policies, to ensure ethical and legal compliance. I also help you establish clear access and use policies for your collections.
  • Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Planning
    • I work with you to develop disaster preparedness and recovery plans specific to your archival collections and digital assets. This includes identifying potential risks, creating response protocols, and planning for the protection and recovery of your materials in case of emergencies.
  • User Engagement and Accessibility Strategies
    • I advise on strategies to increase user engagement with your archives, including developing online access portals, enhancing finding aids, and creating public outreach programs that make your collections and digital assets more accessible to a broader audience.
  • Digital Archiving and Preservation Consulting
    • I provide guidance on setting up and maintaining digital archives, ensuring that your digital records are properly preserved and accessible. This includes selecting appropriate digital asset management systems and developing long-term digital preservation strategies.
  • Project Planning and Management for Archives
    • I help you plan and manage specific archival projects, such as large-scale digitization efforts, new archival programs, or grant-funded initiatives. I ensure that your projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with your strategic goals.
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy
    • I assist in engaging key stakeholders, such as board members, donors, and community partners, to build support for your archival initiatives. I also help you advocate for the importance of your archives within your organization and the broader community.