The Expert Group on Research Services and Outreach (EGRSO) is part of the International Council on Archives (ICA). In 2020 and 2023, the EGRSO conducted a global survey among ICA members to better understand their concerns regarding access and outreach in their respective archival institutions worldwide. The same questionnaire was used in both years to gauge respondents’ perceptions of the following: the Universal Declaration of Archives, outreach strategies, useful technologies for promoting access and use of archives, approaches to facilitating access to indigenous records, and related research on access and the use of archives. Both studies included about 50 respondents from more than 33 countries. A comparison of the findings shows that there is a growing interest in:
• digitisation and digital engagement programmes,
• the need for clarity on the link between artificial intelligence and outreach and,
• providing access to indigenous records.
Furthermore, some variations in priorities and approaches can be identified across geographical areas and countries. This paper provides an overview of the findings before and following the COVID-19 pandemic and reports on the groups’ various initiatives to address some of these concerns. We hope this presentation will spark further discussion and ideas for improving access to archives and encouraging greater use worldwide.