Scaleflex - ArchivesSpace Integration and Automation

Common Integration Use Cases Between Scaleflex and ArchivesSpace

1. Archive Media Publishing for Public Access Portals

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Scaleflex

ArchivesSpace stores archival descriptions and digital object references, while Scaleflex can optimize and deliver associated images, scans, and video files for public-facing discovery portals. When a new digital object is published in ArchivesSpace, the linked media can be pushed to Scaleflex for compression, format conversion, and fast delivery through a content delivery layer.

Business value: Improves page load speed for researchers and visitors, reduces strain on the archival system, and ensures high-quality media access without manual file handling.

2. Automated Media Derivative Creation for Archival Assets

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Scaleflex

Archival teams often need multiple versions of the same file, such as thumbnails, web-optimized images, and preservation-friendly access copies. ArchivesSpace can trigger Scaleflex to generate these derivatives automatically when a new asset is ingested or updated. The optimized versions can then be used in online finding aids, exhibit pages, or digital collections.

Business value: Reduces repetitive production work, standardizes media outputs, and speeds up publishing workflows for archivists and digital collections staff.

3. Enriched Exhibit and Collection Page Delivery

Data flow: Bi-directional

ArchivesSpace can provide descriptive metadata, collection context, and item identifiers to Scaleflex-enabled web properties, while Scaleflex delivers the associated media assets in the correct format and size. This supports exhibit pages, collection highlights, and research portals where metadata and media must stay synchronized.

Business value: Ensures consistent presentation of archival content across web channels and reduces the risk of broken links or outdated media references.

4. Bulk Migration of Legacy Digital Assets into a Modern Delivery Layer

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Scaleflex

Institutions migrating legacy digital collections can use ArchivesSpace as the authoritative source for archival records and Scaleflex as the media delivery and optimization layer. Existing file references in ArchivesSpace can be mapped to Scaleflex storage, allowing older assets to be republished with improved performance without changing the archival description structure.

Business value: Modernizes access to legacy collections, lowers migration risk, and avoids rework in archival metadata records.

5. Controlled Access for Restricted Archival Materials

Data flow: ArchivesSpace to Scaleflex

ArchivesSpace often contains records for restricted or sensitive materials that require controlled access. Integration can pass access rules, embargo dates, or visibility flags to Scaleflex so that only approved derivatives are delivered to public users, while higher-resolution or restricted files remain protected.

Business value: Supports compliance, improves governance over sensitive content, and reduces the chance of unauthorized media exposure.

6. Automated Update of Media When Archival Records Change

Data flow: Bi-directional

When archivists update a record in ArchivesSpace, such as correcting a title, replacing a scan, or adding a new image, the integration can notify Scaleflex to refresh cached assets and regenerate optimized versions. Scaleflex can also return delivery status or asset identifiers to ArchivesSpace for traceability.

Business value: Keeps public content accurate, reduces stale media issues, and improves operational visibility for content and digital asset teams.

7. Centralized Reporting on Asset Usage and Collection Engagement

Data flow: Scaleflex to ArchivesSpace

Scaleflex usage metrics, such as asset requests, delivery volume, and popular media formats, can be linked back to ArchivesSpace collection records. This helps archival teams understand which collections attract the most attention and which media types are most frequently accessed.

Business value: Supports collection prioritization, informs digitization strategy, and provides evidence for stakeholder reporting and funding requests.