Congratulations to our Knowsley Archives Service, based in the Archive Resource for Knowsley (ARK), that has retained its accreditation from The National Archives and partners for a second time.

Archive Service Accreditation is the UK standard for archive services. Accreditation takes place every six years.

The Standard looks at how an archive service acquires, preserves and provides access to their collections over the long term, through the management of risks and by planning for change.

Archive Service Accreditation also represents a pathway for the ongoing development of a service. An accredited archive service delivers within a framework of professionally recognised standards, supported by effective resourcing and management structures.

The Accreditation Panel which made the award noted that “This is a well-managed and effective archive service that has continued to build on positive developments noted at their initial accreditation and that benefits from positive strategic and political support. There has been positive activity around outreach and volunteering opportunities and noticeable progress around digital preservation.”

Knowsley Archives Service stores a range of historic information about the Borough – its people and places. You’ll find information to help you to research your family history and there’s resources revealing the history of your township.

It is located in Kirkby Library and is open from 10am until 5pm Monday to Friday. Further information can be found on the ARK website. You can also book a two-hour research session (10am until 12pm or 2pm until 4pm) through the “Booking a visit to the Archive” section. For help and support, you can email infoheritage@knowsley.gov.uk