Threekit - ArchivesSpace Integration and Automation

Common Integration Use Cases Between Threekit and ArchivesSpace

Threekit and ArchivesSpace serve very different but complementary purposes. Threekit manages interactive 3D, AR, and product visualization experiences for commercial products, while ArchivesSpace is used by archives, libraries, museums, and cultural institutions to describe, organize, and provide access to archival collections and related digital assets. When integrated, they can support richer digital access, better asset governance, and more efficient content workflows across collections, exhibitions, and public-facing experiences.

1. Interactive Digital Exhibits for Archival Collections

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Threekit

ArchivesSpace can provide collection metadata, item descriptions, provenance details, and contextual information to Threekit to power interactive exhibit experiences. For example, a museum or archive can use Threekit to create 3D or immersive presentations of artifacts, with ArchivesSpace supplying the authoritative descriptive record behind each object.

• Curators maintain collection records in ArchivesSpace.
• Threekit displays interactive 3D views, annotations, and guided storytelling for public exhibits.
• Visitors can explore objects with linked archival context, improving engagement and educational value.

2. Digital Asset Synchronization for Preservation and Presentation

Data flow: Bi-directional

ArchivesSpace can store archival metadata and reference relationships, while Threekit can generate and manage presentation-ready visual assets such as 3D renders, interactive views, and derivative images. Integration helps institutions keep preservation records and public-facing visuals aligned.

• Archives staff register objects and metadata in ArchivesSpace.
• Threekit generates visual derivatives for web exhibits, catalogs, or donor presentations.
• Asset identifiers and links are synchronized so teams can trace each visual back to the source record.

3. Collection Discovery and Public Access Portals

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Threekit

ArchivesSpace can feed structured collection data into a Threekit-powered public portal that allows users to browse, filter, and interact with digitized items. This is useful for institutions that want to move beyond static finding aids and offer a more engaging discovery experience.

• ArchivesSpace provides hierarchy, subject terms, dates, and item-level descriptions.
• Threekit presents the content in an interactive interface with zoom, rotation, and AR where applicable.
• Researchers and the public can explore collections more intuitively, improving access and discoverability.

4. Exhibit Planning and Content Review Workflow

Data flow: Bi-directional

Exhibit teams often need to coordinate between curators, archivists, designers, and digital content teams. ArchivesSpace can serve as the source of record for approved collection information, while Threekit can be used to preview how objects will appear in a digital exhibit or online gallery before launch.

• Archivists approve object descriptions and usage notes in ArchivesSpace.
• Design teams use Threekit to assemble exhibit layouts and visual presentations.
• Updates to object metadata or rights status can be reflected back into the exhibit workflow to prevent publishing errors.

5. Rights, Access, and Usage Control for Digital Surrogates

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Threekit

ArchivesSpace often contains rights statements, access restrictions, and donor or licensing conditions. That information can be passed to Threekit to control whether a digital object can be displayed publicly, used in AR, or restricted to internal staff.

• ArchivesSpace stores access conditions and rights metadata.
• Threekit uses those rules to determine visibility and allowed interactions.
• Institutions reduce the risk of unauthorized publication or misuse of sensitive materials.

6. Educational and Research Experience Enhancement

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Threekit

Universities, libraries, and research institutions can use ArchivesSpace metadata to enrich Threekit-based educational experiences. For example, a course website or digital scholarship project can present archival objects in 3D or interactive formats with linked finding aid context, making primary sources easier to understand.

• Faculty or researchers select relevant archival materials from ArchivesSpace.
• Threekit creates interactive learning modules or virtual object views.
• Students can explore materials with contextual metadata, improving comprehension and engagement.

7. Asset Lifecycle Management for Digitization Projects

Data flow: Bi-directional

Large digitization initiatives require coordination between scanning, metadata creation, quality review, and publication. ArchivesSpace can track archival description and processing status, while Threekit can manage the visual output and presentation layer for digitized objects.

• ArchivesSpace tracks which items have been digitized, reviewed, and approved.
• Threekit stores or references the generated visual assets used for online access.
• Project managers gain better visibility into production status and publication readiness.

8. Donor, Stakeholder, and Internal Presentation Materials

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Threekit

Development teams and leadership often need compelling visuals to support fundraising, grant applications, and stakeholder briefings. ArchivesSpace can provide authoritative object data, while Threekit can turn selected collection items into polished interactive presentations.

• Development staff identify notable items or collections in ArchivesSpace.
• Threekit generates interactive presentations for donor meetings, grant proposals, or board updates.
• Teams can communicate collection value more effectively without manually assembling static slide decks or image sets.

Overall, integrating Threekit with ArchivesSpace is most valuable for institutions that want to combine trusted archival metadata with engaging digital presentation. The result is better public access, stronger internal workflows, and more effective use of collection content across exhibits, education, and outreach.