[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: How to Save an Archives?



Ron,

Perhaps before your colleague tackles this issue directly, she should work
with her board to create a long-term plan and review (or if she doesn?t
already have one, write) a collection development policy.  These are some
questions that the archivist may want to tackle when considering the
Archive's future:  How does the community (the researchers, donors, program
participants, members, and the general public) benefit from the archives
collection?  How would the reorganization of the museum hurt these groups?
Is there anyone else in Sandusky who can take over the institution's
archives function?  What is the true financial cost of running the archival
program?  What does running the program gain for the museum in terms of
outreach, exposure, goodwill?  In what direction will the museum grow
without a properly run archives program?  How will it grow with one?  It
may be beneficial to survey the community to get their reactions to the
program so that the museum can grow in directions that will best suit their
needs.  Their positive responses may help your argument.

However, after all of this work, the archivist may find that continuing to
manage the archives ?as is? is not the best scenario for the organization
or the community.  Perhaps there is some place in town better equipped to
handle the collections, or that the cost to the museum does outweigh the
benefits to the organization itself and to the community.  She may need to
turn to other organizations in the community who can make the collections
even more accessible and offer them better support.  Recently, the curators
of an historical society for whom I worked decided to deaccession their
archives to give to the local library.  The library gave the historical
society all of their artifacts.  The organizations found that they could
manage the collections better this way, work to fill gaps in the historical
documentation of the community more effectively, and collaborate on
projects to the benefit of both organizations.

I hope that this is helpful.

Best of luck,
Melissa

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>