Managing Historical Records Programs: A Guide for Historical Agencies

by Bruce W. Dearstyne author of "Leading the Historical Enterprise: Strategic Creativity, Plannin

Overview

Historical records are a focus and collecting area for many historical societies, history museums and other historical agencies. Yet many historical records programs face special challenges and needs, from inadequate resource levels, physical preservation problems, under-developed documentation, appraisal and collecting policies, etc. In Managing Historical Records, Dearstyne's goal is to foster stronger, more vibrant historical records programs by introducing archival work and describing strategies, approaches, principles and practices of strong programs. Lots of examples, checklists, and appendices help in finding solutions and approaches. A must-have resource for anyone considering starting a historical records program or who already has one and wants to strengthen it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781461705963
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	09/20/2000
Series:	American Association for State and Local History
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Dr. Bruce W. Dearstyne is associate professor at the College of Library and Information Services, University of Maryland, where he teaches archival and records management courses and coordinates the archives, records, and information management specialty in the M.L.S. program. Prior to assuming that position in 1997, he was for many years a program director at the New York State Archives and Records Administration. He is the author of many articles and several books, including The Archival Enterprise (1993) and Managing Government Records and Information (1999).

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 1 Historical Records: Definitions, Concepts, and Importance
Chapter 3 2 Prerequisites for Program Success
Chapter 4 3 Building a Historical Records Program: Sources of Assistance
Chapter 5 4 Leadership&Management of Historical Records Programs
Chapter 6 5 Selection of Historical Records
Chapter 7 6 Arrangement and Description
Chapter 8 7 Services to Users
Chapter 9 8 Preservation of Historical Records
Chapter 10 9 Electronic Archives
Chapter 11 10 Historical Records Programs in the Third Millennium
Chapter 12 Appendix 1 Code of Ethics for Archivists
Chapter 13 Appendix 2 Basic Elements of Historical Records Programs
Chapter 14 Appendix 3 Sample Self Assessment Guide for Historical Records Programs
Chapter 15 Appendix 4 Cooperative Approaches to Historical Records Programs
Chapter 16 Appendix 5 Historical Records Program Plan
Chapter 17 Appendix 6 Guide to Donating Personal or Family Papers to a Repository
Chapter 18 Appendix 7 Guide to Deeds of Gifts
Chapter 19 Appendix 8 Examples of Historical Records Descriptions
Chapter 20 Appendix 9 Checklist for Access&Reference Services
Chapter 21 Appendix 10 Repository Security Checklist
Chapter 22 Appendix 11 Selected List of Vendors of Archival Supplies and Services
Chapter 23 Appendix 12 Suggested Readings
Chapter 24 Index
Chapter 25 About the Author

Editorial Reviews

Dearstyne gives the aspiring archivist/curator in 270 pages nearly all the information he or she will need to provide basic services for historical records. Such records are defined in this work so that it is applicable to both archival and personally generated materials (manuscripts)....Everything from preservation strategies for paper records through formulating program ideas for electronic records is covered here....Dearstyne's extensive personal experience in the field...along with his more recent position as a professor of archival studies...make him an ideal choice to do this work. In addition, his clear writing style and careful organization make the book all the more useful....The book is an ideal starting point for individuals new to the field. It not only gives the reader useful information but also inspiration on why and how records work can be a truly exciting career choice.

North Carolina Historical Review - David J. Olson

Dearstyne's destiny seems certain: his work will be the textbook for classes on managing historical records. He brings to the subject both administrative and teaching experience and conveys his enthusiasm for the field. Seasoned genealogists will concur with his statement, 'Using historical records leads to excitement and discovery.'

National Genealogical Society Quarterly - Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer

A useful handbook for any organization concerned with historical records, this book describes both the current philosophies of records management and the nuts and bolts of storing, organizing, and making records available to the public.

Utah Historical Quarterly

Dearstyne's destiny seems certain: his work will be the textbook for classes on managing historical records. He brings to the subject both administrative and teaching experience and conveys his enthusiasm for the field. Seasoned genealogists will concur with his statement, 'Using historical records leads to excitement and discovery.'
— Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer, MLS

National Genealogical Society Quarterly

Dearstyne gives the aspiring archivist/curator in 270 pages nearly all the information he or she will need to provide basic services for historical records. Such records are defined in this work so that it is applicable to both archival and personally generated materials (manuscripts)....Everything from preservation strategies for paper records through formulating program ideas for electronic records is covered here....Dearstyne's extensive personal experience in the field...along with his more recent position as a professor of archival studies...make him an ideal choice to do this work. In addition, his clear writing style and careful organization make the book all the more useful....The book is an ideal starting point for individuals new to the field. It not only gives the reader useful information but also inspiration on why and how records work can be a truly exciting career choice.
— David J. Olson, North Carolina Division of Archives and History

The North Carolina Historical Review