2026 Manuscript Repositories Section Election Steering Committee Members

Holly Deakyne

Processing Archivist, Special Collections Department, Library, Museums & Press, University of Delaware

I have worked in numerous archival settings, primarily as a processing archivist for personal and professional papers, including at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Ohio University, the Getty Research Institute, and the New-York Historical Society. I hold an MLS from Pratt Institute with a specialization in archives. In my current position, I am appraising, arranging, and describing congressional papers in a hybrid collection. In addition, I'm working with others in the department to update our department's documentation. My interests include accessioning as processing and utilizing reference stats to inform all archives decisions including acquisitions, processing, description, digitization, and deaccessioning.

Courtney Rookard

Processing Archivist, Xavier University of Louisiana

Biography

Courtney Rookard is the Processing Archivist at Xavier University of Louisiana, the only

Catholic Historically Black College/University in the United States. Her previous archival

experience includes stints at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, the

Library of Congress and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, and the Indiana

Historical Society and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (now Indiana

University-Indianapolis) Archives in Indianapolis, Indiana. Before receiving her Master’s degree

in Library Science, she worked as a student in the Manuscripts, Archives, and Special

Collections at Washington State University. After 15 years in both part- and full-time archival

positions, her passions include increasing visibility and access of collections while also

efficiently maximizing space for physical archives. She also specializes in asking questions that

open metaphorical cans of worms in the pursuit of improving systems and procedures. Courtney is also Secretary for the Greater New Orleans Archivists and a mentor in the Society of American Archivists Mentoring Program.

Candidate Statement

Manuscripts are the backbone of many archives and hold unique challenges for archivists, from language to format to condition and beyond. Having a community with a focus on these

challenges is invaluable for knowledge sharing and, at times, commiseration. As a Steering

Committee Member, I would want to learn from the membership what it is they want from the Manuscripts Repositories Section and aim to address their wishes as best as possible. In

addition, I would be interested in contributing to the Section’s microsite. When a new user

arrives to the microsite, the first impression can influence the likelihood that they dig deeper and return in the future. If possible, I would strive to improve consistency and navigation, and keep the site updated.

Carrie Mastley

Director of Historical Manuscripts, Mississippi State University Libraries Division of Archives & Special Collections

Biography

Since 2019, I have served as an Assistant Professor (soon to be Associate!) for Mississippi State University Libraries’ Division of Archives & Special Collections. In 2025, I was appointed to the role of Director of Historical Manuscripts, and I have previously served in the roles of Curator of Material Culture and Manuscripts Archivist. Prior to this , I served as the Project Archivist for the Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana, where I was charged with the cataloging of approximately 10,000 cultural objects related to President Abraham Lincoln. I hold a BA in English from Mississippi University for Women, a MA in English from Mississippi State University, and a MLIS with a Graduate Certificate in Archives & Special Collections from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Statement of Interest

In the context of SAA leadership, I have served as an elected Steering Committee member for the SNAP section from 2020 to 2021. During this time, I was able to make invaluable connections with other section members, learn about our community needs, and develop programming that would support those needs during such an uncertain time. In addition, I have served as an appointed member of the Spotlight Award Subcommittee from 2020 to 2023 and chaired the subcommittee in my third year. Serving in this capacity enabled me to learn more about the invaluable work our colleagues are undertaking across the nation. I currently serve as the Chair of the Women Archivists Section. For the past two years, I have worked with fellow members of the steering committee to revise the section's leadership structure and bylaws as well as strived to provide programming opportunities relevant to the needs and interests of our members.

I am interested in serving on the Manuscript Repositories Section Steering Committee because I value the Section’s role in fostering professional dialogue, collaboration, and practical support for archivists working with manuscript collections. I am especially committed to advancing conversations around access, stewardship, outreach, and sustainable practices for repositories of all sizes. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to programming, resource sharing, and community-building efforts that support both established and emerging professionals while strengthening the visibility and impact of manuscript repositories within the broader archival field.

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Society of American Archivists

Manuscript Repositories Section

Section Leadership

Created | 29 June 2004

Last updated | 28 September 2018