It’s All on the Table: Case Studies on Improved Workflow Management Using Airtable

Abstract

Selecting appropriate technical tools for archival work is vital to improving the quality and experience of archivists’ work. Airtable is a cloud-based software that combines features of traditional spreadsheets and databases for more robust ways of compiling, organizing, and understanding data. Through five case studies, the authors demonstrate the positive impact that choosing Airtable has had on their institutions. They have created more productive workflows, automated cumbersome manual processes, and improved communication between teams. By recounting their practical applications of Airtable, the authors hope to inspire others to consider how the right tool could markedly improve their work lives.