Dear colleagues,

We're excited to share a public call for comments<https://archives.albany.edu/web/arclight_integration/updates/dadocm.html> on Delivering Archives and Digital Objects: a Conceptual Model (DadoCM)<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-mATld2FJLL7V5b_PYawaGUS8BO3Vawo6AISj6zoMqg/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.4wnop8mtzl6g>- a minimal, system-agnostic framework for describing digital objects with archival principles. Designed with under-resourced institutions in mind, DadoCM enables aggregate description for digital objects and can unite discovery and access within a single interface, leveraging technologies like IIIF while complementing tools such as ArchivesSpace and ArcLight.

DadoCM was developed through a participatory process, including a Remote Cohort in December 2024<https://archives.albany.edu/web/arclight_integration/updates/remote_cohort.html> who undertook structured exercises to surface community needs and an In-Person Cohort Working Meeting in Albany, NY in February 2025<https://archives.albany.edu/web/arclight_integration/updates/in-person_cohort.html> that collaboratively shaped the model. We're grateful to everyone who contributed their insights and time to this work.

We invite your feedback!
Please visit the draft document<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-mATld2FJLL7V5b_PYawaGUS8BO3Vawo6AISj6zoMqg/edit?tab=t.0> to leave inline comments, or submit feedback via the Feedback Form<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNXFXHRdTjYMXlfGLyd0WA1xUbN8KYnpW3Byvq2o64werp-g/viewform>.

Feedback is encouraged by June 16, 2025.
We are also planning an open online forum at the end of June-details will be announced soon.


IMLS Update:
We recently received notice that our IMLS National Leadership Grant-which supports this work-was terminated by the IMLS acting director. If this decision stands, we will not be able to complete the project. Most critically, we will be unable to finish development of the ArchivesSpace plugin, a key component of our work that would allow archives to more easily implement ArcLight alongside ArchivesSpace and adopt DadoCM's bulk access methods more broadly.

While we are deeply disappointed, we want to draw attention to our colleagues at the IMLS, most of whom are currently on leave and face the threat of mass layoffs. The IMLS supports far more than individual grants-it is foundational infrastructure for libraries and museums across the U.S.<https://ilovelibraries.org/article/what-does-imls-do-and-how-will-its-elimination-affect-you/>, including state libraries and interlibrary loan systems that many rely on daily.

We encourage you to read and follow the American Library Association's recommendations<https://www.ala.org/advocacy/show-up-for-our-libraries> to support the IMLS and help sustain its crucial role.


Best,
ArcLight Integration Project Team

Greg Wiedeman
Jen Palmentiero
Mark Wolfe
Meghan Slaff