Managing Historical Records Programs: A Guide for Historical Agencies

by Bruce W. Dearstyne

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, including inadequate resource levels, physical preservation problems, and underdeveloped documentation, appraisal, and collecting policies. In Managing Historical Records Programs, Bruce Dearstyne's goal is to foster stronger, more vibrant historical records programs by introducing the basics of archival work to historical agency personnel. He describes strategies, approaches, principles, and best practices of strong programs while providing lots of examples, checklists, and appendixes that help solve complex problems. An important resource for anyone considering starting a historical records program or wishing to strengthen an existing one.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742502826
Publisher:	AltaMira Press
Publication date:	09/01/2000
Series:	American Association for State and Local History Series
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.36(h) x 0.87(d)

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

	Acknowledgments	ix
	Introduction	xi
1.	Historical Records: Definitions, Concepts, and Importance	1
2.	Prerequisites for Program Success	16
3.	Building a Historical Records Program: Sources of Assistance	31
4.	Leadership and Management of Historical Records Programs	47
5.	Selection of Historical Records	63
6.	Arrangement and Description	84
7.	Services to Users	102
8.	Preservation of Historical Records	122
9.	Electronic Archives	139
10.	Historical Records Programs in the Third Millennium	156
Appendix 1	Code of Ethics for Archivists	165
Appendix 2	Basic Elements of Historical Records Programs	175
Appendix 3	Sample Self-Assessment Guide for Historical Records Programs	179
Appendix 4	Cooperative Approaches to Historical Records Programs	210
Appendix 5	Historical Records Program Plan	215
Appendix 6	Guide to Donating Personal or Family Papers to a Repository	220
Appendix 7	Guide to Deeds of Gift	226
Appendix 8	Examples of Historical Records Descriptions	230
Appendix 9	Checklist for Access and Reference Services	242
Appendix 10	Repository Security Checklist	246
Appendix 11	Selected List of Vendors of Archival Supplies and Services	249
Appendix 12	Suggested Readings	253
	Notes	259
	Index	267
	About the Author	271

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.
— David J. Olson, North Carolina Division of Archives and History

The North Carolina Historical Review

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

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 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