The Wyoming State Archives, the esteemed guardian of the state’s irreplaceable public records, has announced its first significant adjustment to service fees in over three decades. This pivotal decision aims to fortify the long-term preservation and enhance the accessibility of Wyoming’s rich historical documentation for current and future generations. These fee updates are a direct response to evolving needs and technological advancements in the field of archival management, ensuring the institution can continue its vital work effectively.
According to Wyoming State Archivist Sara Davis, the previous fee structure, unchanged for more than 30 years, had fallen out of sync with contemporary operational costs and service demands. The revised schedule is designed to allow the Wyoming Archives to maintain its high standards of record keeping and public service, adapting to the modern landscape of information management while anticipating future requirements for public records access.
A primary objective of these adjustments is to sustain and advance critical archival services. This includes essential functions such as the laborious process of digital preservation, specialized research assistance for historians and genealogists, and the reproduction of documents vital for various purposes. While certain specialized services will see modest increases, the Archives remains steadfast in its commitment to keeping core offerings affordable and broadly accessible to all citizens.
For instance, self-service copying options, including prints from microfilm readers, will remarkably retain their low price of 25 cents per page, demonstrating the Archives’ dedication to fundamental public access. However, more specialized and resource-intensive services, such as high-resolution digital scans of delicate materials or in-depth research assistance extending beyond an initial complimentary period, will reflect increases that align with those seen at peer institutions across the nation, ensuring equitable value for complex work.
Under the newly implemented schedule, staff-made black and white copies will now be priced at $1.25 per page, while digital photograph scans, crucial for high-quality reproductions, will be available for $15 per image. For those requiring extensive assistance, research support beyond the initial 30 minutes will be offered at a rate of $40 per hour. The Archives emphasizes that these fees are meticulously structured to operate at cost-recovery levels, with substantial public funding continuing to underpin a significant portion of preservation efforts and historic access initiatives.
The revenue generated from these crucial fee updates is earmarked for significant investments. These funds will be instrumental in modernizing the Archives’ digital preservation systems, enhancing public access tools, and supporting the continuous professional development of its expert staff. Such investments are paramount to ensuring the Archives’ capacity to serve the citizens of Wyoming effectively for many decades to come, safeguarding the state’s collective memory.
Beyond internal improvements, the updated funding will also sustain valuable outreach programs. These include the popular State Archives Speaker Series, which brings historical insights to communities, and the vital Roving Archivist Program, which actively assists local communities in properly caring for their own invaluable historical collections. These initiatives underscore the Archives’ broader mission to connect the public with Wyoming’s past in meaningful and accessible ways.
Wyoming State Archivist Sara Davis reiterated the institution’s unwavering commitment: “We’re committed to providing accessible, meaningful connections to Wyoming’s past.” She further emphasized that these strategic changes are not merely about revenue but fundamentally support the Archives’ mission, ensuring its services remain responsive, financially sustainable, and deeply rooted in the public value it provides. This forward-looking approach ensures the continued safeguarding and sharing of the state’s unique heritage.
