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[F] Archives: Principles and Practices

2 days, 1.5 CEUs, 10 ARCs
Category: General Archival Knowledge

Although archivists have much in common with librarians, records managers, and museum staff, they must use different practices to protect the integrity of historical records. A strong archives program puts into practice long-standing archival principles. What are those principles and how are they implemented? This workshop provides an overview of the core archival functions of appraisal, accessioning, arrangement and description, preservation, reference, and access.

Workshop Objectives:
  • Learn the terminology of archives and historical records and get an overview of the body of knowledge needed, ethical responsibilities, and resources for continuing professional development;
  • Learn the principles and functions of archival organization: provenance, respect de fonds, and original order;
  • Find out about core policy statements, professional standards, and best practices;
  • Learn how to evaluate an individual program and determine needed improvements;
  • Develop the knowledge base needed to make choices for balancing access to and preservation of historical records and holdings; and
  • Gain a greater understanding of the role of the archives in fulfilling the mission of the institution.
Who Should Attend?

Librarians, records managers, museum staff, and administrators who have responsibility for archival records but little or no archives training.

Attendance limited to? 35
Responses to "what aspect of the workshop was most valuable to you?" included:
  • "Practical examples were helpful. Also step-by-step instructions about processing and documentation were helpful and practical, good level of detail." - Abigail Sugahara
  • "Clearly demonstrated concepts of provenance and original order to the point where I am beginning to think like an archivist, rather than a librarian." - Robert Clymer
  • "The booklet handout was ideal: slides, examples, templates. They did a great job condensing a library school archives specialization curriculum into two days without losing meaning or overwhelming us."
  • "Visuals and explanations. Also examples helped pull together points I wasn't clear on." - Frances Scott
Classroom and AV Requirements

1. Room Set-Up:

  • Classroom style (6 foot tables with 2 chairs or 8 foot tables with 3 chairs)
  • Podium to the left of the screen
  • Table adjacent to the podium with 2 chairs and a flip chart
  • Place pitcher of water with glasses next to instructor station
  • Place a table at the back of the room for “display only” items.

2. Required Audio/Visual Equipment:

  • An instructor workstation [PC or laptop that runs standard MS Office software (must have PowerPoint; access to Word is also useful) with a USB port available for plugging a memory stick in to the computer]
  • LCD projector
  • Projection screen
  • Podium
  • Microphone.

3. Minimal Beverage Breaks:

  • Coffee/tea/water for morning break
  • Water/assorted soft drinks for afternoon break.
Faculty