Sitefinity - ArchivesSpace Integration and Automation

Common Integration Use Cases Between Sitefinity and ArchivesSpace

Sitefinity and ArchivesSpace complement each other well in organizations that need to publish authoritative public content while preserving structured archival records behind the scenes. Sitefinity serves as the front-end digital experience platform for web publishing, while ArchivesSpace manages archival descriptions, finding aids, and collection metadata. Integrating the two can improve content accuracy, reduce duplicate data entry, and create a better experience for researchers, donors, students, and the public.

1. Publish archival collection pages from ArchivesSpace records to Sitefinity

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Sitefinity

Use ArchivesSpace as the system of record for collection descriptions, series, container lists, and access notes, then publish selected metadata into Sitefinity as public-facing collection pages. Sitefinity can render searchable landing pages, highlights, and related content while ArchivesSpace continues to manage the authoritative archival record.

• Reduces manual rekeying of collection information
• Ensures public pages stay aligned with archival catalog updates
• Supports faster publication of new collections and finding aids

2. Sync controlled vocabulary and subject terms for consistent discovery

Data flow: Bi-directional or ArchivesSpace to Sitefinity

Integrate subject headings, names, places, and collection keywords from ArchivesSpace into Sitefinity so editorial teams can tag articles, exhibits, and landing pages using the same controlled vocabulary. This improves site search, topic navigation, and cross-linking between archival content and related web pages.

• Improves consistency across public content and archival descriptions
• Strengthens search relevance and faceted browsing
• Helps content editors avoid duplicate or inconsistent terminology

3. Create digital exhibits and storytelling pages using archival assets

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Sitefinity

ArchivesSpace can provide metadata for digitized photographs, manuscripts, oral histories, and other assets that Sitefinity uses to build curated exhibits, timelines, and thematic story pages. Sitefinity handles the presentation layer, while ArchivesSpace supplies the archival context and provenance information.

• Enables non-technical teams to build engaging public exhibits
• Preserves archival context alongside digitized materials
• Supports educational and donor engagement initiatives

4. Embed archival search and finding aid access within the corporate website

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Sitefinity

Sitefinity can host a branded research portal that embeds or links to ArchivesSpace search results, collection guides, and finding aids. This gives users a seamless experience from the main website into the archival repository without requiring separate navigation or duplicate site structures.

• Improves user experience for researchers and internal staff
• Keeps the public website and archival repository visually and functionally aligned
• Reduces support requests caused by fragmented access points

5. Automate updates when archival records change

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Sitefinity

When archivists update collection titles, access restrictions, dates, or descriptions in ArchivesSpace, those changes can automatically trigger updates to the corresponding Sitefinity pages. This is especially useful for institutions with frequent acquisitions or ongoing processing work.

• Prevents outdated public information
• Reduces editorial maintenance effort
• Improves trust in publicly published archival content

6. Route public inquiries from Sitefinity to archival staff workflows

Data flow: Sitefinity to ArchivesSpace or supporting workflow tools

Sitefinity forms for research requests, reproduction requests, or collection inquiries can pass structured data into archival workflows associated with ArchivesSpace records. Staff can then review the request in context of the relevant collection and respond more efficiently.

• Speeds up handling of reference and access requests
• Captures inquiry context tied to specific collections
• Improves collaboration between web, reference, and archival teams

7. Publish donor, partner, or internal highlight content linked to archival collections

Data flow: Bi-directional

Sitefinity can publish news stories, donor spotlights, or institutional announcements that link back to related archival collections in ArchivesSpace. In return, ArchivesSpace can store references to related public stories or exhibit pages, helping staff maintain a complete view of how collections are being promoted and used.

• Connects archival holdings to fundraising and outreach efforts
• Provides better context for internal stakeholders
• Supports coordinated campaigns across communications and archives teams

8. Support multilingual public access to archival content

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Sitefinity

For global institutions, ArchivesSpace metadata can feed Sitefinity multilingual pages so collection summaries, exhibit introductions, and access instructions are published in multiple languages. Sitefinity manages the localized experience while ArchivesSpace remains the source for archival descriptions.

• Expands access for international audiences
• Improves consistency across translated collection pages
• Supports institutions with multilingual public service requirements

Overall, integrating Sitefinity with ArchivesSpace helps organizations present archival collections in a more accessible and engaging way while preserving archival integrity and reducing duplicate content management across teams.