AtoM stands for “Access to Memory”. It is a web-based archive information system that can be used for indexing as well as for dissemination and research. AtoM has a large user base worldwide. The tool is used in a wide variety of archive institutions.

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Standards and license

AtoM is based on the international archive standards ISAD(G), ISAAR(CPF), ISDF and ISDIAH and is licensed under an open source license. Atom is far cheaper to purchase and operate than commercial tools with a similar range of functions.

Indexing

Archives are indexed hierarchically in a tree structure (tectonics) in accordance with the ISAD(G) standard.

Authorized users can edit the description fields after logging in. Persons, families and organizations are indexed according to the ISAAR(CPF) standard. Each entry shows the relationship to the units of description. ISAAR(CPF) entries are edited in the same way as the units of description.

AtoM-2, docuteam

Search

AtoM allows simple and advanced search queries. In the advanced search, you can specify the fields to be searched in and also set restrictions and filters. When the search results are displayed, categories are shown in the left-hand column, which can be used to make further restrictions (faceting).

AtoM, capture d'écran - docuteam SA

Digital objects

Files can also be embedded in the units of description. These have the function of preview images or usage copies and do not replace a digital archive (repository). If the files contain text (e.g. PDF), this can be indexed by AtoM and made accessible to the search function.

Utilization

The user interface of AtoM includes not only the functionalities for the archivists who work with the tool on a daily basis and use it for their indexing work and to answer user queries, but also for archive users who consult the archive holdings via structured access or the search functions.

Multitenancy

AtoM is multi-tenant capable. This means that one AtoM installation can be used simultaneously for several archiving institutions. This makes AtoM suitable for the implementation of portal solutions, as the example of the Vaud municipal archives shows:

AtoM-1, docuteam

Good to know

Multilingualism

All elements of the user interface can be translated. The translation is ensured by a large community.

Web-based

All interaction with AtoM takes place via the web browser. No client software needs to be installed.

Open Source

The AtoM program code is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License (A-GPL 3.0). There are no license costs for using the software, regardless of how many archiving institutions (mandates) or users use the system at the same time.

Standard-based

AtoM is based on the following archival standards of the International Council on Archives (ICA):

  • General International Standard Archival Description (ISAD)
  • International Standard Archival Authority Records (Corporate bodies, persons, and families) (ISAAR-CPF)
  • International Standard for Describing Institutions with Archival Holdings (ISDIAH)
  • International Standard for Describing Functions (ISDF)

Import/export of metadata

AtoM is able to import or export metadata in different formats. This can be table-based (CSV) or as XML (EAD, EAC). This makes AtoM very suitable for use in a modular digital archive.

Documentation

A documentation can be found at https://www.accesstomemory.org/en/.

References and examples

A selection of projects that docuteam has implemented on the basis of AtoM.

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