Archival Basics

Archival Basics
Author: Charlie Arp
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 355
Release: 2019-05-08
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1538104563

Archival Basics for Historic Record Collections is an introduction to the concepts, policies, infrastructure and tasks needed to collect, preserve and make archival collections available to researchers. The book is based on content presented in workshops by the Council of State Archivists and presented in an on-line course by the American Association of State and Local History since 2003. Arp focuses on the discreet tasks necessary to manage archival collections. This is a practical, how-to book on managing archival collections designed for those who have responsibility for such collections but lack formal archival training. The book begins by defining historic records, archival collections and the differences between archives, libraries and museums while identifying the steps needed to manage archival collections. It then looks at collecting archival items including creating a collections policy, documenting the acquisition of archival items and the steps needed to bring those items into an archives. It discusses arranging, preserving and describing archival collections so researchers can find the information they seek. Next, it goes over what is needed to store, protect, and make archival collections available to researchers. The last chapters contemplates the policies, skills and infrastructure needed to successfully manage digital records and looks at creating digital copies of analog records to promote their use. The book provides templates, questionnaires and examples to enable the reader to create customized archival policies and procedures that accommodate the particular circumstances they find themselves in. The book also contains exercises and quizzes designed to reinforce the retention and understanding of critical concepts. In addition to examples it has lists of additional resources so those who want more detailed information on particular topics can find it. This book is not the only reference book needed by those doing archival work, but it should be the first book they need.

Introduction to Archival Organization and Description

Introduction to Archival Organization and Description
Author: Michael J. Fox
Publisher: Getty Publications
Total Pages: 68
Release: 1999-02-11
Genre: Art
ISBN: 0892365455

An archival collection is a unique body of information, created at a particular time by a particular organization or individual as a result of a particular activity. If the cultural record contained in an archive is to be accessible, the archivist must examine, organize, and describe each collection individually. Introduction to Archival Organization and Description guides the novice to an understanding of the nature of archival information and documentation. Chapters cover topics such as the characteristics of archival materials, the gathering and analysis of information for archival description, and the implementation of descriptive tools in information systems. The Introduction to series acquaints professionals and students with the complex issues and technologies in the production, management, and dissemination of cultural heritage information resources.

A Modern Archives Reader

A Modern Archives Reader
Author: Maygene F. Daniels
Publisher: National Archives Trust Fund Board
Total Pages: 357
Release: 1984
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9780911333121

American Archival Studies

American Archival Studies
Author: Randall C. Jimerson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 674
Release: 2000
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN:

"The 28 essays reprinted in this volume represent significant recent American writings on archives and the role of archivists in modern society. The essays are arranged into nine parts: Understanding Archives and Manuscripts Archival History Selection and Documentation Appraisal Arrangement and Description Reference and the Use of Archives Preservation Electronic Records Management These articles provide important perspectives both on basic elements of archival practice and on fundamental principles in archival theory and methodology. In addition to these nine parts, there is an introduction and a list of contributors, which provide important context for the readings. "What deserves careful reading . . . is Jimerson's seventeen-page introduction. It is brilliant and worth the price of the entire volume. In it, Jimerson lays the groundwork for a commanding understanding of the thought and development of the profession in the two decades of the 1980s and 1990s." -Megan Sniffin-Marinoff,American Archivist (65:1).

Advocacy and Awareness for Archivists

Advocacy and Awareness for Archivists
Author: Kathleen D. Roe
Publisher: Society of American Archivists
Total Pages: 160
Release: 2019-10-31
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9780838946497

In Advocacy and Awareness for Archivists, Kathleen D. Roe draws on her extensive experience to walk new and experienced archivists through basic principles and practices of advocating for and creating awareness of archives.

Working in the Archives

Working in the Archives
Author: Alexis E. Ramsey
Publisher: SIU Press
Total Pages: 333
Release: 2009-12-14
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 0809386895

Archival research of any magnitude can be daunting. With this in mind, Alexis E. Ramsey, Wendy B. Sharer, Barbara L’Eplattenier, and Lisa Mastrangelo have developed an indispensable volume for the first-time researcher as well as the seasoned scholar. Working in the Archives is a guide to the world of rhetoric and composition archives, from locating an archival source and its materials to establishing one’s own collection of archival materials. This practical volume provides insightful information on a variety of helpful topics, such as basic archival theory, processes, and principles; the use of hidden or digital archives; the intricacies of searching for and using letters and photographs; strategies for addressing the dilemmas of archival organization without damaging the provenance of materials; the benefits of seeking sources outside academia; and the difficult (yet often rewarding) aspects of research on the Internet. Working in the Archives moves beyond the basics to discuss the more personal and emotional aspects of archival work through the inclusion of interviews with experienced researchers such as Lynée Lewis Gaillet, Peter Mortensen, Kathryn Fitzgerald, Kenneth Lindblom, and David Gold. Each shares his or her personal stories of the joys and challenges that face today’s researchers. Packed with useful recommendations, this volume draws on the knowledge and experiences of experts to present a well-rounded guidebook to the often winding paths of academic archival investigation. These in-depth yet user-friendly essays provide crucial answers to the myriad questions facing both fledgling and practiced researchers, making Working in the Archives an essential resource.

Archives 101

Archives 101
Author: Lois Hamill
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 302
Release: 2021-04-01
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1538133024

Archives 101 is a manual for people who care for historical records, photographs, and collections and a textbook for those who want to learn. Lois Hamill provides practical, step-by-step guidance for managing all facets of archival collections, from acquisition, arrangement, and description to storage and security. The book also offers advice on how to integrate description in PastPerfect software with archival finding aids to optimize the strengths of each. Archives 101 is written for those who manage cultural collections regardless of their professional education or institution type. This comprehensive, practical, ready reference is authoritative yet accessible to all readers. It addresses all phases in the process of managing cultural collections including use by researchers, for exhibits, work with other specialists such as conservators or appraisers and more. The chapter on description incorporates the professional descriptive standard Describing Archives: a Content Standard (DACS) into finding aids. Guidance on the management of digitization projects for text documents and photographs includes equipment, technical specifications, file naming and management, workflow, delivery methods, and copyright with examples and forms. The Additional Reading/Resources features many new resources that are reliable and free, all URLs have been verified. A convenient Glossary, examples, forms and ready-reference appendices round out this handy volume.

The Handbook of Archival Practice

The Handbook of Archival Practice
Author: Patricia C. Franks
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 511
Release: 2021-09-12
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1538137356

To meet the demands of archivists increasingly tasked with the responsibility for hybrid collections, this indispensable guide covers contemporary archival practice for managing analog and digital materials in a single publication. Terms describing activities central to the archival process—such as appraisal, acquisition, arrangement, description, storage, access, and preservation—are included. In addition, responsibilities traditionally considered outside the purview of the archivist but currently impacting professional activities—such as cybersecurity, digital forensics, digital curation, distributed systems (e.g., cloud computing), and distributed trust systems (e.g., blockchain)—are also covered. The Handbook is divided into ten sections: current environment; records creation and recordkeeping systems; appraisal and acquisition; arrangement and description; storage and preservation; digital preservation; user services; community outreach and advocacy; risk management, security and privacy; and management and leadership. Some terms touch on more than one category, which made sorting a challenge. Readers are encouraged to consult both the table of contents and the index, as a topic may be addressed in more than one entry. A total of 111 entries by 105 authors are defined and described in The Handbook. The majority (79) of the contributors were from the US, 12 from Canada, 7 from the United Kingdom, 3 from Australia, 1 each from Germany, Jamaica, New Zealand, and the Russian Federation. Because archival practice differs among practitioners in different countries, this work represents an amalgamation. The Handbook was written primarily for archival practitioners who wish to access desired information at the point of need. However, can also serve as a valuable resource for students pursuing careers in the archival profession and information professionals engaged in related fields.