Public Library Archives & Special Collections Section Meeting
Society of American Archivists
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 1pm PT/ 2pm MT/ 4pm ET
Friday, February 21, 2025 11 am PT/ 12pm MT/ 2pm ET
Present: Erinn Barnes, Heather Lowcock (Wednesday). Aimai Reporter, Catherine Tremblay
Agenda:
- Approval of January Minutes
- March Coffee Chat - March 28, 12 pm MST
- Zoom access through SAA
- Send out Invite - SAA Connect
- Add announcement to Microsite, 2/25
- Appoint Roles: Hosts, Co-host, chat monitor - Charmaine
- Add a poll to session -
- Draft collection of open ended questions by March 24th - add to Agenda
- May Coffee Chat
Meeting Minutes: add to Microsite
Public Library Archives Survey: June, refine questions.
Coffee chat about programming:
- Possibly incorporate a survey in chat.
Possible Questions for March Programming Coffee Chat:
- What is your budget/do you have a budget?
- How do you find time for programming?
- How often do you do programs?
- What are some of your most successful programs?
- What is the audience you have for programs?
- What is an audience you would like to reach?
- Success of virtual vs. in person programs?
- How has your programming changed in light of the current administration?
Heather’s questions:
- What programs have been your most successful either in terms of patron attendance and/or patron engagement and enthusiasm?
- What programs haven’t worked well and why? What changes did you make to future programs to avoid similar challenges?
- What types of materials do you often use for programs? What types seem to work well? Is there a difference in type depending on whether the program is a pre-scheduled group or an open program available to all patrons?
- Does your institution hold archival literacy (how-to) programs for patrons? If so, what are some of the key procedures you cover?
- Has your institution set up programming systems and procedures for K12 and university programs/visits that are distinctive from general patron programs? If so, what are the distinctions in systems or procedures in scheduling and designing programs?
- Are all programs available to any patron or do your programs require advanced reservation (sign ups)?
- Do you place age designations on programs (adult, youth, etc.)?
- What types of program promotion have worked well?
- If you’ve worked in other types of archives and special collections (academic libraries, government archives, etc.), what are the differences you see in creating and facilitating programs in the public library setting?
