Archives and Manuscripts

This is an introductory course in archives management and the application of archival techniques. The areas of study will include: the nature of primary sources and their relationship to history; the history and nature of archives; archival appraisal, arrangement, and description; reference, access, and use of records; management and administration of archives, manuscript collections, and archival collections; and issues and techniques of conservation and preservation in an archival setting. In addition, students will become acquainted with archival automation, legal issues related to archival administration, records management, historical methods, and some of the principal philosophical issues in archival thought.