Archival Fundamentals Series III

The third edition of this six-volume series, edited by Peter J. Wosh and published by the Society of American Archivists, provides a gateway to contemporary archival best practices so that you can:

  • expand your leadership and management skills, 
  • implement arrangement and description, 
  • develop advocacy and awareness-building activities, 
  • delve into core concepts and principles of reference services,
  • pursue a holistic approach to preservation, and
  • learn a variety of approaches to selection and appraisal.

Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, new professional, seasoned archival veteran, or in the information science and public history fields, you'll find the books in this series accessible, stimulating, and indispensable to your daily work. Learn from the best with the Archival Fundamentals Series III.

Get your copies in the SAA bookstore


Volume 1: LEADING AND MANAGING ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPTS PROGRAMS 
(2019)

Peter Gottlieb and David W. Carmicheal, Editors

Goes beyond conventional wisdom to provide plentiful examples of successful leadership practices from the archives field. Contributors include Sarah Koonts, Jennifer I. Johnson, Lynette Stoudt, Samantha Norling, Megan Sniffin-Marinoff, and Rachel Vagts.

“Your roadmap to successful leadership and management practices. Perfect for students, new managers, and even seasoned veterans like myself who want to stay relevant in our ever-changing field.” 
–Cheryl Oestreicher, Head of Special Collections and Archives, Boise State University 


Volume 2: ARRANGING AND DESCRIBING ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPTS 
(2019)

Dennis Meissner 

While all archival functions are crucial and interdependent, arrangement and description transform the potential value of materials into practical, usable value for researchers and others. This volume provides a solid foundation in the history, theory, and standards supporting arrangement and description. In addition, he clearly demonstrates the approaches, methods, and mechanics required to process archival collections.

“This volume provides invaluable guidance on current and emerging theory, best practices, and standards. It is a "must do" for archivists who want to expose the richness of their collections and provide superior access for their users.”
–Kathleen D. Roe, former Director of Archives and Records Management, New York State Archives


Volume 3: ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS FOR ARCHIVISTS 
(2019)

Kathleen D. Roe

Advocacy and awareness are essential activities that underpin the work of the archives profession, helping archivists communicate the value and relevance of such work to administrators and the general public. This volume will help you adopt an “advocacy frame of mind” and encourage you to do the work that will bring the change you seek.

“The perfect entry point for any archivist who wants to defend and convey the value and relevance of your archives."
–Chris Burns, Curator of Manuscripts and University Archivist, Silver Special Collections Library University of Vermont


Volume 4: REFERENCE AND ACCESS FOR ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPTS 
(2020)

Cheryl Oestreicher

In addition to describing the context and historical development of reference and access, this book delves into the core concepts and principles of reference services, reference in relation to new technologies, best practices for implementation and evaluation, and the task of providing intellectual, physical, and digital access to archival materials.


Volume 5: ADVANCING PRESERVATION FOR ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPTS 
(2020)

Elizabeth Joffrion and Michèle V. Cloonan 

How information is created and used will influence how we preserve it. This volume gives students and professionals a holistic view of archival preservation by providing an overview of current trends and challenges; an introduction to the critical studies, standards, and guidelines that have shaped current preservation thinking; and an emphasis on the stewardship of digital resources as part of a comprehensive preservation management plan.


Volume 6: SELECTING AND APPRAISING ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPTS 
(Forthcoming 2024)

Edited by Audra Eagle Yun and Chela Scott Weber 

A variety of approaches to selection and appraisal are covered as well as emerging areas of inquiry and practice such as cultural competency and community archives. This volume also addresses issues affecting a full range of institutional profiles. It assumes readers work with a variety of formats (analog and digital) and addresses records in an integrated way. As a practicing professional, the author also Include real-life examples throughout to illustrate points. 


Don't Miss These Complements to the Series from Its Second Edition!

UNDERSTANDING ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPTS 

James M. O'Toole and Richard J. Cox

This theory-based volume introduces students and beginning practitioners to the fundamentals of working with archival records and manuscripts. Topics include the history of the archives profession, the organization of archival records, the values that inform practice, and contemporary challenges in the archival world. 

PRESERVING ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPTS (2ND ED)

Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler

Ritzenthaler’s classic manual, which complements and augments Advancing Preservation for Archives and Manuscripts by Elizabeth Joffrion and Michèle V. Cloonan, is the authoritative resource for archivists, manuscript curators, and others responsible for the preservation of archives, manuscripts, and historical collections. It covers the wide range of materials found in such holdings and addresses practical means of implementing preservation programs. The emphasis is on integrating preservation and archival management with a focus on storage, safe handling, and environmental issues.