Managing Archives

Managing Archives provides a practical guide to archives management. It has three main target audiences: those who have been tasked by their organization to manage its archives but who have no prior training; those who are starting out as professionals or para-professionals in a record keeping environment and need basic guidance; and students who are currently studying for a professional qualification. Basic guidance is supplemented by comprehensive references to professional literature, standards, web sites etc. to enable the reader to further their studies at their own pace. The text includes a range of optional activities that enable the reader to translate principles into practice and feel greater ‘ownership’ with the guidance. There is no similar book on the market There is known demand both from practitioners and students The book offers guidance in the implementation of archival processes in a range of institutional contexts, and enables a universal application

Drawing on the expertise of nineteen highly regarded American archivists, 'Managing Archives and Archival Institutions' establishes general principles that will be of practical value to archivists at all stages of professional development in all types of archival institutions. Contributions reflect the broad scope of archival work today and the wide range of skills and expertise archivists must acquire to meet the challenges presented by modern records and archives.

Whether an institution has a collections orientation or whether it is primarily responsible for managing institutional archives in conjunction with an organizational records management programme, those responsible for its archives and records management need specialist advice and practical guidance in the successful establishment and operation of an archival facility built on sound principles. This authoritative handbook, written by an archival professional with over 25 years' experience, offers just that. Addressing the contextual, strategic and operational issues associated with archives, the text covers everything the archivist needs to know: establishing principles, policies and procedures; managing day-to-day operations; caring for different types of archival materials; enhancing outreach and public access; and ensuring the growth and sustainability of the institution and its services. The key chapters are: What are archives? Archival institutions: creatures of history and culture Archival service: a matter of trust Protecting archives Provenance, original order and respect des fonds Appraising and acquiring archives Arranging and describing archives Making archives available The challenge of digital archives. The final section of the book offers a glossary of terms and a wide range of specialist information including comprehensive lists of recommended further reading, national institutions, professional bodies and other sources of advice. Readership: This book is essential reading for anyone involved in managing archives. Its straightforward and approachable language ensures that fundamental principles and practices are outlined clearly for novice archivists and non-specialists; experienced professionals will also find the work of immense value in validating or updating their understanding of archival operations. The issues addressed are relevant to archival practice internationally, particularly in English-speaking countries, and concepts in place in different parts of the world are examined in order to provide a global context.

Archives and Records Management is a comprehensive intoduction to the complex field of records management. The alphabetic filing rules are included, along with methods of storing and retrieving alphabetic subject, numeric and geographic records. The global shift towards delivering services online requires organizations to evolve from using traditional paper files and storage to more modern electronic methods. There has however been very little information on just how to navigate this changes until now. This book provides the readers and archive maintain people about the implementation of archives and record management with the direction and guidance you need to make the transition as seamless as possible.

Provides advice on the basic functions of an institutional archives-administration; appraisal; preservation and security; arrangement, description, and reference; building internal and external support; and cooperative opportunities. Presents three case studies in the initial development of institutional archives that summarize the problems and challenges facing these kinds of programs.

Here is a comprehensive, authoritative introduction to the elements of day-to-day operations of local government archives, with special emphasis on best practices and practical solutions and strategies for establishing and improving such things as storage, environmental control, staffing, and intellectual control. It includes a chapter on general consideration for preservation of electronic archival records. Local government records are the records that most directly touch the lives of U. S. residents: deeds and property records, marriage licenses, school transcripts, law suits, and more, yet these records are often the most neglected records in the country. This guide is designed to appeal both to trained archivists as well as to those without formal training but find they are dealing with the administration of an archives program in a municipality, county, parish, township or borough, or a quasi-governmental entity such as a water district or a regional transportation authority. Managing Local Government Archives describes and prescribes the essential elements and best practices of a local government archives program. It is intended to be both a text for classroom instruction and a self-help tool for both professional and paraprofessional archivists. It is also intended to be helpful to local governments considering the planning and implementation of a formal archives program. Coverage encompasses the various domains of archival enterprise as practiced in a local government setting: acquisition, appraisal, arrangement and description, preservation, access, relationship to the records management profession, and other topics.

Historical records are a focus and collecting area for many historical societies, history museums, and other historical agencies. Yet many historical records programs face special challenges and needs, including inadequate resource levels, physical preservation problems, and underdeveloped documentation, appraisal, and collecting policies. In Managing Historical Records Programs, Bruce Dearstyne's goal is to foster stronger, more vibrant historical records programs by introducing the basics of archival work to historical agency personnel. He describes strategies, approaches, principles, and best practices of strong programs while providing lots of examples, checklists, and appendixes that help solve complex problems. An important resource for anyone considering starting a historical records program or wishing to strengthen an existing one. Book jacket.