LionBridge - ArchivesSpace Integration and Automation

Common Integration Use Cases Between Lionbridge and ArchivesSpace

1. Translate archival finding aids and collection descriptions for global access

Data flow: ArchivesSpace ? Lionbridge ? ArchivesSpace

ArchivesSpace can send collection-level descriptions, finding aids, scope notes, and subject headings to Lionbridge for professional translation. The translated content is then returned to ArchivesSpace so institutions can publish multilingual collection records on public access portals.

• Improves discoverability for international researchers
• Reduces manual copy-paste translation work for archivists
• Supports consistent terminology across collections

2. Localize public-facing archival portals and exhibit content

Data flow: ArchivesSpace ? Lionbridge

When ArchivesSpace content is exposed through a public website or discovery layer, integration can route exhibit text, collection summaries, and research guides to Lionbridge for localization. This helps archives present culturally relevant content in multiple languages without rebuilding the content workflow.

• Expands audience reach for museums, universities, and public archives
• Speeds multilingual publishing for exhibitions and digital collections
• Supports consistent translation of recurring archival terminology

3. Translate accession records and administrative notes for distributed archival teams

Data flow: ArchivesSpace ? Lionbridge ? ArchivesSpace

Large institutions often manage archives across multiple regions or campuses. Integration can send accession summaries, processing notes, and internal documentation from ArchivesSpace to Lionbridge for translation so regional staff can work from the same authoritative record.

• Improves collaboration across multilingual processing teams
• Reduces misinterpretation of accession and preservation instructions
• Helps standardize internal archival workflows globally

4. Maintain multilingual authority terms and subject metadata

Data flow: Bi-directional

ArchivesSpace authority records and controlled vocabulary terms can be sent to Lionbridge for translation review, then returned with approved multilingual equivalents. This supports consistent subject access across languages and helps maintain alignment between archival metadata and public search interfaces.

• Improves multilingual search and retrieval
• Supports metadata governance and terminology consistency
• Reduces duplicate or inconsistent translated subject terms

5. Accelerate digitization projects with translated item-level descriptions

Data flow: ArchivesSpace ? Lionbridge ? ArchivesSpace

During digitization initiatives, item-level descriptions, folder titles, and series notes can be exported from ArchivesSpace for translation in batches. Once translated, the content is reimported to support multilingual digital collections and online exhibits.

• Enables faster publication of digitized archival materials
• Reduces bottlenecks in large-scale description projects
• Improves access to legacy collections for non-English speakers

6. Support multilingual donor, researcher, and access request communications

Data flow: ArchivesSpace ? Lionbridge

ArchivesSpace records often contain contact details, access restrictions, and collection context that inform external communications. Integration can route relevant text to Lionbridge so institutions can generate translated responses, request instructions, or collection summaries for donors and researchers.

• Improves service quality for international patrons
• Reduces turnaround time for multilingual correspondence
• Helps staff respond accurately to access and rights questions

7. Create a translation workflow for archival processing backlogs

Data flow: ArchivesSpace ? Lionbridge ? ArchivesSpace

For institutions with large backlogs, ArchivesSpace can feed prioritized records to Lionbridge based on collection importance, public demand, or exhibit schedules. Translated outputs are returned in structured form so processing teams can update records without manual re-entry.

• Helps prioritize high-value collections for translation
• Improves throughput for backlog reduction programs
• Supports measurable progress on access and inclusion goals