The Foundations of Discovery: A Report on the Assessment of the Impacts of the Cataloging Hidden Collections Program, 2008–2019. CLIR Report No. 177.

From 2008 to 2014, CLIR administered the Cataloging Hidden Special Collections and Archives program, which granted funds to catalog “hidden” collections of high scholarly value. Generously supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the program awarded more than $27.4 million to academic, cultural heritage, and other collecting institutions. coverTo assess the program’s impact, CLIR conducted a comprehensive analysis of final reports from all 128 projects funded through the program. This report describes the methods and findings of the analysis, including cataloging outputs, as well as impact on hiring, policies and procedures, communication tools, and research and outreach.