Ver en Español: A Pilot Project to Investigate Translation Methods for Archival Exhibits and Finding Aids

The internationalization brought about by online finding aids and the United States’ expanding diverse population necessitates a renewed focus on representation and accessibility in archival research. The accessibility of archival resources depends on the language in which the content is offered to the public. Throughout the United States, the Spanish-speaking population continues to grow. Employees in the University of North Texas Special Collections department obtained grant funding to translate finding aids and digital exhibits into Spanish, with an emphasis on finding a translation solution that offered a balance between cost and quality (i.e., readability and accuracy). This article discusses possible options for translation, including translation vendors, Office 365, and DeepL; findings of the project, with specifics about the cost-effectiveness and quality of each option; and general advice to other institutions interested in undertaking translation projects, regardless of available resources.