Asterisk*Asterisk*

The asterisk symbol is often used in text to indicate the availability of additional information or explanation. We use the Asterisk* to supplement archives or objects with extra or alternative information, such as stories, different perspectives or data, that was previously omitted, incomplete or overlooked. This provides archival documents with a richer context. Moreover, the more comprehensively and inclusively they are described, the easier they become to find.

The Asterisk* is not only available to archival institutions such as the Nieuwe Instituut, but to anyone who is conducting archival research, managing a collection, or simply interested in historical objects or places.

Nieuwe Instituut has integrated the Asterisk* into its collection registration system by adding extra fields. Each added keyword, title or description is marked with an *, indicating who added it and when. This information can be viewed on the online collection platform by hovering the mouse over the asterisk. Website users can suggest additions to descriptions of archival items or write stories about them using a form.

The Asterisk* project emerged from the Collecting Otherwise working group. This was established in 2021 to respond to museums’ and society’s need for a more equitable approach to archival materials. It has led the development of new tools for alternative, collaborative archival practices.