The STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA’s Florida Folklife Digitization and Education Project received SAA’s 2006 Philip M. Hamer and Elizabeth Hamer Kegan Award in recognition of its outstanding promotion of the Florida Folklife Collection. The award recognizes individuals or institutions that have increased public awareness of archival documents for education, instructional, or other public purpose.
The Florida Folklife Collection documents the folk arts, crafts, customs, traditions, games, music and dance of many of Florida’s cultural communities. The 150-cubic-foot collection, when acquired by the State Library and Archives of Florida, was unusable and at risk of loss through deterioration. The creation of an online resource involved providing an index that afforded item-level access to approximately 50,000 images and 6,000 audio recordings. The project, in addition to creating a widely-accessible finding aid for the collection, identified materials in need of preservation treatment, created catalog records for 10,000 of the most significant and representative indexed images, created five educational units for use in the Florida school system using digitized primary source materials from the Folklife Collection, and produced two collected music samplers (free and available in CD and online) and a collection of post-cards. To support this work, a strong web presence was created for all aspects of the collection, including links to the Florida Memory Website.
As one nominator wrote, “From music CDs to an enlarged web presence, to a more prominent role in the Florida historical, library and educational communities, the Florida Folklife Digitization and Education Project has changed how the general public, and staff, see the State Library and Archives and its role in Florida’s life.”
The Hamer Kegan Award was established in 1973 and is named for two SAA Fellows and former presidents.
The WALT WHITMAN ARCHIVE’s integrated guide to the great American poet’s manuscripts received SAA’s 2006 C.F.W. Coker Award, which recognizes finding aids, finding aid systems, projects that involve innovative development in archival description, or descriptive tools that enable archivists to produce more effective finding aids. To merit consideration for the award, nominees must, in some significant way, set national standards, represent a model for archival description, or otherwise have a substantial impact on national descriptive practice.
The Walt Whitman Archive, begun in 1995, is dedicated to the creation of a vast electronic scholarly resource that will eventually include in one online site the full range of work by and about the renowned poet of democracy. The integrated guide to the poet’s manuscripts is a significant accomplishment in finding aid innovation. It brings together thousands of poetry manuscripts into a searchable, browsable, and comprehensible form through the use of EAD. In doing so, this scholar-archivist-librarian collaboration located, listed, and described Whitman manuscripts—more than 30 finding aids from more than 29 repositories. The guide taps the potential of EAD and demonstrates the richness born in collaboration.
Established in 1983, the award honors the memory of SAA Fellow C.F.W. Coker.
SAA’s 2006 Waldo Gifford Leland Award for writing of superior excellence and usefulness in the field of archival history, theory, or practice was presented to MARY JO PUGH for her book, Providing Reference Services for Archives and Manuscripts (AFS II).
Providing Reference Services for Archives and Manuscripts, published in 2005 by SAA, is a thoughtful, broadly conceived treatise, and as one of the seven titles in SAA’s Archival Fundamental Series II, it updates and expands Pugh’s 1992 book of the same title. The new version is extremely useful as a textbook and as a guide for practicing reference archivists. It is also a valuable resource for those who are not accustomed to thinking of policies and practices from the user’s perspective. Beginning with a discussion of the role of the archives in the “information family tree,” Pugh explains what is unique about the information needs of the archival researcher. New material in this edition on such topics as information-seeking behavior, electronic records, and web-based reference services bring the book into the twenty-first century. The book includes an extensive bibliographic essay organized by topic, expanding the depth of what is, admittedly, a very broad topic.
Providing Reference Services for Archives and Manuscripts is notable for its approachability—it is well organized and easy to read—and it is a significant addition to the literature on reference service as a vital part of the archival enterprise. Copies may be obtained at SAA's Online Publications Catalog.
Established in 1959, the award is named for one of North America’s archival pioneers and SAA’s second president.
DATA DICTIONARY FOR PRESERVATION METADATA: FINAL REPORT OF THE PREMIS WORKING GROUP was awarded the Society of American Archivists’ 2006 Preservation Publication Award.
Established in 1993, the award recognizes an outstanding work published in North America that contributes to the advancement of the theory and practice of preservation in archives institutions by introducing new preservation theories, methods, or techniques; by codifying principles and practices of archives preservation; by presenting the results of innovative research on matters related to archives preservation; by investigating preservation issues of current interest and importance to the archives community; or by studying aspects of the history of the archives profession.
The Data Dictionary for Preservation Metadata: Final Report of the PREMIS Working Group, published in May 2005, was developed in response to an emerging need shared by archives and cultural heritage institutions implementing digital archiving capacity and infrastructure. One vital piece of that infrastructure is preservation metadata, the information needed to manage, document, and otherwise support any digital preservation process. The PREMIS Data Dictionary defines a set of preservation metadata elements that can be implemented in repositories managing a variety of object formats, utilizing a variety of preservation strategies, and implementing various system architectures.
As one of the nominators noted: “It is without a doubt the most significant publication on any aspect of preservation in the year 2005. The work is intellectually sophisticated, groundbreaking, truly collaborative and international in scope and of great significance for the archival preservation community.”
SAA’s 2006 Fellows’ Ernst Posner Award was presented to TIMOTHY L. ERICSON for his article in the most recent volume of the American Archivist. The award, established in 1982 by the Fellows of SAA and named for former SAA President Ernst Posner, recognizes an outstanding essay dealing with some facet of archival administration, history, theory, and/or methodology published in SAA’s semi-annual journal.
Ericson, senior lecturer emeritus for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Information Studies, received the award for “Building Our Own Iron Curtain: The Emergence of Secrecy in American Government,” in volume 68 of the American Archivist. His article is timely, original, well researched, and of relevance in and outside the archives community. He provides an excellent examination and historical analysis of the creation of secrecy files and committees, the withholding and classification of information, and curtailing of civil liberties.
Ericson, who served as SAA president in 2004–2005, gave an abbreviated version of his article as his presidential address during SAA’s 68th Annual Meeting in 2004. As such, he could have published it with only minor revisions. Instead, his article is a significantly expanded version and shows substantial research on a complex topic, displaying both depth and breadth, and including a call for archivists to advocate for the public’s interest in a period of increasing secrecy in government records and information. This is a crucial topic about which archivists need to be fully informed, and Ericson’s clear explanation makes that possible.
SAA’s 2006 Theodore Calvin Pease Award was presented to BEN BLAKE of the University of Pittsburgh for his student paper, “A Call for a New American Labor Archives: History, Theory, Methodology and Practice.”
Established in 1987, the award is named for the first editor of SAA’s semi-annual journal, American Archivist, and recognizes superior writing achievement by a student enrolled in archival administration classes or engaged in formal archival internship programs. The award includes a certificate, cash prize, and forthcoming publication of Blake’s paper in the American Archivist.
Blake wrote “A Call for a New American Labor Archives” for the course “Records and Knowledge Management,” for Professor Richard J. Cox of the School of Information Sciences of the University of Pittsburgh. In his nomination form, Professor Cox wrote, “Blake’s paper is a critical assessment of the evolution of labor archives, stressing that, despite considerable success in the area, labor archivists have much yet to do. It is the fullest analysis of labor archives in some years.” Blake is the first student from the University of Pittsburgh to receive the Pease Award.
Blake begins, “The challenge for labor archivists is to prove our worth to the labor movement…. The first step in this process involves examining our own history, theory, and practice to become better labor archivists.” His paper grounds the development of labor archives in the context of the archival profession. Early collections were firmly rooted in the historical manuscripts tradition; later collections were influenced by the public archives tradition. Acknowledging the “new” labor history, Blake concludes with a call for labor archives to forge a closer relationship with the union movement, especially by establishing records management and knowledge management partnerships with unions.
LANELL JAMES and SHAWN PHILLIP SAN ROMAN are the joint recipients of SAA’s 2006 Harold T. Pinkett Minority Student Award. The award recognizes minority graduate students of African, Asian, Latino, or Native American descent who, through scholastic achievement, manifest an interest in becoming professional archivists and active members of SAA.
Lanell James recently completed her first year of graduate study at the University of Michigan, School of Information.
Shawn Phillip San Roman just completed the Library and Information Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Both recipients have made apparent their dedication to the field and both have made strong impressions on faculty and future colleagues at their respective schools. The Awards Committee believes that both Ms. James and Mr. San Roman will become leaders in the archives profession and agree with their nominators that both are “rising stars” who will “leave a lasting impression on the archival profession.”
The award, established in 1993, honors the late Dr. Harold T. Pinkett, who served with distinction during his long tenure at the National Archives and Records Administration and was a Fellow of SAA.
Francesca Livermore, Terry Jackson, and Gloria Stonge are recipients of the Society of American Archivists’ 2006 Colonial Dames Scholarship Awards. Established in 1974, the scholarships enable new archivists to attend the Modern Archives Institute of the National Archives and Records Administration. In 2002 the Colonial Dames added a third scholarship, the Donna Cutts Scholarship. The awards are funded by the Colonial Dames of America, Chapter III, Washington, D.C.
TERRY JACKSON, recipient of the Colonial Dames of America Scholarship to the Summer 2006 Modern Archives Institute, is an Assistant Research Clerk at the Metropolitan Government Archives, where her responsibilities include reference activities, conservation and preservation of original records, digitization projects, and processing activities. The Metropolitan Government Archives, a division of the Nashville Public Library, has more than 5 million records dating from the 1780s to the present. Jackson expects to receive her MA in Public History from the Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro in August 2006. She received her BA in History from the Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro in 2003.
FRANCESCA LIVERMORE, recipient of the Colonial Dames of America Scholarship to the Winter 2006 Modern Archives Institute, is the Processing Archivist for the Consuelo Northrop Bailey Collection in the Special Collections Department of the Bailey/Howe Library at the University of Vermont. In addition to these duties, she also works at the main reference desk and in the Library Research Annex. The University of Vermont library is older than most states of the Union. During its long period the library has acquired numerous collections, occupying over 8 thousand linear feet, that contribute to the history and study of Vermont from pre-Revolutionary times to the present. Livermore received her MLS in 2004 from Drexel University and her BA in Art History in 1999 from Hartwick College.
GLORIA STONGE, recipient of the Donna Cutts Scholarship to the Summer 2006 Modern Archives Institute, is Director of the Brethren in Christ Historical Library and Archives/Archives of Messiah College, where she preserves church history, provides service to faculty, students and researchers, and provides leadership for the overall direction of the archives. The archives is the official repository for the Brethren in Christ denomination. The church originated about 1778 near Marietta, Pennsylvania. The archives houses 150 manuscript collections, including early church documents in both German and English, a 1748 edition of Martyrs’ Mirror, and Bibles dating back to the 16th century. Stonge received her BS in Special Education from Bloomsburg University in 1974.
Each scholarship covers $1,200 of the total tuition, travel, and housing expenses associated with attending the institute. To be eligible for this scholarship an individual must have been employed less than two years as an archivist and work in an archives or manuscripts collection where a fair percentage of the repository’s holdings predate 1825. The award is funded by the Colonial Dames of America, Chapter III, Washington, D.C.
ROBERT M. SCHMIDT, archivist at Miami University (Ohio), received a Council Exemplary Service Award from SAA for his outstanding service to the archives profession. As the moderator of the Archives and Archivists Listserve from1998–2006, Schmidt performed this service with the utmost care and professionalism; donated significant time and energy to sustaining an open forum for discussion of all aspects of archival theory and practice; and demonstrated noteworthy patience and courtesy in assisting subscribers. The Archives and Archivists Listserve has been cited in published literature, thereby informing professional discourse and advancing the cause of archival science.
U.S. SENATOR HARRY REID of Nevada received SAA’s 2006 J. Franklin Jameson Archival Advocacy Award in recognition of his long-standing support of the archival community in his home state and his advocacy for archives nationally.
Established in 1989, the award honors an individual, institution, or organization that promotes greater public awareness, appreciation, or support of archival activities. Such contributions may take the form of advocacy, publicity, legislation, or financial support that fosters archival work or that raises public consciousness of the importance of archival work while having long-term impact at the regional level and beyond.
Senator Reid , who was unable to attend the ceremony, was honored for his commitment to preserving archival records and historic sites in Nevada and was celebrated for his dedication to making these resources accessible via museums and research facilities at places like the Walking Box Ranch and the Old Las Vegas Post Office. Nationally, Senator Reid’s vocal support has been instrumental for the American Folklife Center, Government Printing Office, Federal Depository Library Program, and most importantly the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). As a passionate backer of NHPRC, his support has proven vital to its continued funding and thus many significant archival and documentary editing projects. When NHPRC faced funding elimination in 2005–2006, Senator Reid and his staff members provided invaluable advice and assistance to help the archival community advocate for NHPRC and navigate the appropriation process. Without his support of NHPRC and its important work, our nation could have lost some of its most vulnerable historical resources and cultural heritage.
The award is named for the noted American historian who was a long-time advocate for the establishment of a National Archives in the United States.
The governing Council of SAA passed resolutions honoring Richard J. Cox, Kathleen Roe, Gregor Trinkaus-Randall, and the Society of Southwest Archivists together with the Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund Review Committee for their outstanding contributions to the association and the profession.
RICHARD J.COX, professor of Archival Studies and chair of the Library and Information Science Program at the University of Pittsburgh, served as SAA’s Publications Editor from 2002–2006. During his tenure SAA published more than a dozen books and created a “pipeline” of more than 20 additional manuscripts. During that time he also authored two of those books, Lester J. Cappon and the Relationship of History, Archives, and Scholarship in the Golden Age of Archival Theory and Understanding Archives and Manuscripts (with James O’Toole). In addition, he helped to further establish SAA as a clearinghouse for English-language resources about the profession, its mission, and its practices.
KATHLEEN ROE, newly appointed Director of Operations at the New York State Archives, serves as chair of the Joint Task Force on Advocacy of the Council of State Archivists, SAA, and National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators. She has worked diligently to advocate for increased funding for the National Historical Publications and Records Commission and the National Archives and Records Administration and has given of her time and energy to draft materials to assist SAA members in understanding how best to contribute to advocacy efforts. Her passion, persistence, and commitment have motivated others to join the cause and she has remained a driving force and leading advocate for strengthening the collective voice of archivists nationwide.
GREGOR TRINKAUS-RANDALL, preservation specialist for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, serves as chair of the SAA Preservation Section. He has worked diligently to promote disaster preparedness and emergency preparedness throughout his career and frequently volunteered his expertise in the recovery of archival materials following disasters. Following the destruction caused by hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, and Rita in 2005, he generously gave his time to represent SAA on the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, SAA members understand how best to respond to archives colleagues who needed assistance.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused untold damage to archives in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas in 2005 and disrupting the lives of archivists in those states. The SOCIETY OF SOUTHWEST ARCHIVISTS (SSA) responded immediately to the need to assist archivists by establishing a blog as a means to connect individuals at a critical time, and proposed establishment of an SSA-SAA Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund to provide aid to archives in need. SSA participated actively in promoting contributions to the fund, resulting in more than $47,870 in donations to date; and provided significant support for creation and activities of the SSA-SAA Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund Review Committee. The SSA-SAA EMERGENCY DISASTER ASSISTANCE FUND REVIEW COMMITTEE acted efficiently, effectively, and compassionately to review applications and distribute the funds fairly to 17 applicants to date.
The MODERN ARCHIVES INSTITUTE of the National Archives and Records Administration is the recipient of SAA’s 2006 Distinguished Service Award. Established in 1964, the award recognizes a North American archival institution that has provided outstanding public service and has made an exemplary contribution to the archival profession. Mary Rephlo, long-time director of the Modern Archives Institute, accepted the award
The Modern Archives Institute was recognized for its long history of service to the archives profession. Nominators noted that the Institute has, since its founding over fifty years ago, offered a high-quality, intensive introduction to archival theory and practice in an accessible format. The Institute was developed in the years following World War II when few post-graduate training programs were offered in archival administration. The Institute offered a critically needed service for archivists who had few educational alternatives. Since that time, more than 4,000 archivists have been trained by the Institute.
As the 100th Institute approaches in November 2006, it is important for the profession to recognize the impact of its teachings on the development of a shared canon of archival practice. Through its educational programs, the Institute has helped formulate a common understanding of the principles and practices that underlie the profession today.
JESSICA LEMIEUX is the recipient of SAA’s 2006 Donald Peterson Student Scholarship, which recognizes a graduate student or recent graduate of a graduate archival program for exceptional leadership and desire to become actively involved in the archives profession through research and presentation during SAA’s annual meeting or active participation in an SAA-sponsored committee, section, or roundtable.
Jessica Lemieux, a graduate student in the archives program at San Jose State University and the Photo Duplication Coordinator at the Bancroft Library of the University of California at Berkeley, was recognized for her outstanding academic record and commitment to the archives profession through her work as SAA’s key contact representative for California and co-editor of the Society of California Archivists’ newsletter. One nominator noted her “enormous potential as a future leader of the archives community who has clearly demonstrated her ability to conduct rigorous intellectual research while, at the same time, generously contributing her time and talent for the betterment of the profession. Her pursuit of excellence and her drive to work collaboratively and thoughtfully with her peers are the essential qualities needed for tomorrow’s leaders of SAA.”
The award, established in 2005, honors the memory of Donald Peterson (1908–1999), a New York lawyer and philatelist whose deep appreciation of world history developed early through his stamp collecting and held true throughout his life. Lemieux is the first recipient of the award.
EMILIE LEUMAS, Archivist of the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge, was awarded SAA’s 2006 Spotlight Award. Established in 2005, this award recognizes the contributions of an individual who works for the good of the profession and of archival collections, and whose work would not typically receive public recognition.
Leumas was cited for her quiet, selfless leadership in laying the groundwork for the recovery and resumption of operations of the neighboring Archives of the Archdiocese of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
When Katrina struck in August 2005, the Diocese of Baton Rouge was ready. With a sound archival program in place, Leumas and her colleagues were able to offer practical support to New Orleans archivist Charles Nolan and to step in and relocate staff and critical material to Baton Rouge and save parish sacramental records. In the face of these unprecedented and extraordinary circumstances, nominators noted her “calm, decisive actions” and the way she “constantly demonstrated an uncanny creativity”; all fueled by her “passion for the history, culture, places, and people of New Orleans.”
All agreed that the role the Diocese of Baton Rouge played in saving the Catholic documentary heritage of New Orleans cannot be exaggerated and add that “because of Ms. Leumas’ fearless commitment to the archives profession and the records of the Church, much was saved.”
Leumas is the first recipient of the new Spotlight Award.