[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
unprocessed collections (was: real world of way behind archives)
2 cents from my viewpoint:
I would still be quite cautious about allowing access to unprocessed
materials. Circumstances will be different at each institution, based upon
staff, physical set-up, the quantity of material requested, the condition of
the material (e.g., it may be brittle), etc. I would leave out of the
equation the issue of whether or not you know the person requesting the
materials. Sometimes people in a position of advantage will take it (and
sometimes not), and there are researchers of both types.
The bottom line: look to the mission statement of your institution, and then
consider whether the materials are under custodial or curatorial care.
(Personally, I would not allow access to materials with curatorial status.)
While this seems like a major way to deal with a straightforward yes-no
question (Do I allow the researcher to handle and work with unprocessed
materials?), it is a way to keep in mind that your institution's materials,
whatever their status, are in demand and there should be a written policy to
deal with requests for access.
Remember, it's just 2 cents...
Sincerely,
Marcia Segal
A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List!
To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to listserv@listserv.muohio.edu
In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname
*or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES
To post a message, send e-mail to archives@listserv.muohio.edu
Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at
http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html
Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <rschmidt@lib.muohio.edu>