Somewhere downstairs: Re-animating a departmental geography collection.

This paper discusses the re-animation of a geography departmental collection through a study of the archives and map collection of the School of Geography, University of Nottingham. The discussion is situated within parallel examples of work on geographical archives and map collections, and wider debates on engagement with archival sources. The paper considers how a previously dormant collection has been re-animated in recent years, conveys the range of source material involved, and discusses the possibilities of digitisation. The paper thereby raises questions which could be asked of the holdings of any academic department, from whatever time period. • The first detailed study of the re-animation of a geography departmental archival and map collection. • Shows a variety of original source material including photographic slides, plans, maps and posters. • Connects the study of a specific archive and map collection to wider debates on engagement with archival sources. • Examines the possibilities and implications of digitising analogue archival material. • Raises questions which could be asked of any archives and collections held by academic departments, from whatever period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]