Introduction to Archives and Records Management

This course is an introduction to the basic theories, methodologies, and most significant problems relating to the management of records and especially archival records.

This course is an introduction to the basic theories, methodologies, and most significant problems relating to the management of records and especially archival records.  The course will address the following key questions:

1)     What are archives, and why are they important?

2)     What principles and concepts guide the work of archivists?

3)     What are the basic components of an archival program?

4)     How are archival records appraised, arranged and described, preserved, and made available for use?   More specifically, in the area of appraisal, students will be introduced to the classic writings of appraisal theory, will review some of the main debates about the purpose and practice of appraisal, and will examine the prominent models for appraising records.  In the area of arrangement and description, students will learn how archival records are processed and will be introduced to the ongoing debate on descriptive standards. In the area of preservation, students will examine challenges of preserving records and examine some of the strategies developed for keeping records in all formats alive over time.  Finally, in the area of reference and use, students will examine the basic characteristics of a reference program, will review the literature on measuring use to define archival practice and principles, will examine the nature and need for public programming, and will review the legal and ethical issues related to access to archival records.

5)  What are the challenges associated with managing audio/visual material, and what are some  

      of the strategies archivists and curators have developed to arrange, describe and preserve

      these materials?

6)  How does oral history fit into an archival program, and what are the basic components of an  

      oral history program?

7)     What are the basic elements of a records management program?  

8)     What has been the impact of the new information technologies on archives and records management theory and practice?  The course will introduce students to the ways that archivists are responding to the challenge of managing and preserving electronic records. 

9)      Where is the archival profession headed?  Students will review educational standards and the search for an archival identity.