Building a Collection.
This project was originally created in wiki format for my LIS 610 - Collection Management course. The goal was to create a bibliography of resources in a subject area of my choice - I chose the creation, maintenance and sharing of local archives. I was to choose 20 resources to recommend for the collection, along with a review citation for each one (as necessary). Below is a sample of 10 items from my collection. Left: "Main Street Looking South, Scotland Neck, N. Car. ", Durwood Barbour Collection of North Carolina Postcards (P077), North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives, Wilson Library, UNC-Chapel Hill |
Creating, Maintaining and Sharing Local Archival Collections
The purpose of this wiki is to compile sources about how to collect, develop, preserve and otherwise manage local historical collections and archives (which can include personal documents, government records, photographs and other objects). It is intended as a resource not only for librarians, but for anyone who might be interested in these types of documents, particularly at a local or regional level. The resources here (organized by format) are intended to 1) provide practical examples of digital collections, 2) inform about and explore the role of technology and digitization in archives, 3) provide some fundamental information on creating and maintaining archives and special collections 4) give examples of resources for amateur or "do-it-yourself" archivists that a library collection could provide and 5) keep archivists, librarians and anyone interested in the profession up-to-date on current trends.
Online Digital Collections
1
Collection: Exploring North Carolina’s Cultural Heritage Online (NC ECHO). State Library of North Carolina. 1999-2012. Web. 25 September 2013. NC ECHO.
Annotation: NC ECHO is a collection of digital photographs, government and family records that was compiled and house by the State Library of North Carolina from 1999-2012. The collection is now hosted through NC LIVE and continues to grow (according to a press release from NC LIVE earlier this year). The collections are searchable by subject and are also organized by North Carolina county. They are composed of materials from seven different institutions across the state, including UNCG. In addition, the homepage provides links to cultural institutions throughout the state, grant programs provided by the State Library and guidelines for preservation, digitization and metadata for archival materials. Pictured at the top of the page is a postcard of my hometown, Scotland Neck, N.C., circa 1915-30, part of UNC Chapel Hill’s collection (I chose this picture because, while much of Main Street has changed, it is still one of the few towns in the country where people park in the middle of the street, a fact of which we are proud).
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2
Collection: Library of Congress Digital Collections. Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 25 September 2013. Library of Congress.
Annotation: It is assumed that the Library of Congress’ digital collections are well-known to archivists and librarians alike. For that reason, for its extensiveness, variety of subjects and more, it is a valuable tool for anyone looking to make digital collections available. The website highlights a number of featured collections (including the Works Progress Administration-era posters that the one above was taken from), but also provides an exhaustive list of subjects to search or browse as well. Formats in the collections include posters, photographs, drawings, sound recordings, maps and film, just to name a few. Although the Library of Congress is included in the list for its digital collections, its website is also an invaluable tool. Librarians may find the tutorials on preservation useful and also instructional to patrons. The LC website also provides reference services (including “Ask a Librarian” and access to its catalog).
Books
3
Book: Boles, Frank. Selecting & Appraising Archives & Manuscripts. Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2005. Print.
Annotation: Selecting & Appraising is one of six volumes in the Society of American Archivists’ Archival Fundamental Series (II). This is the second edition of the work. As its title suggests, the book provides a look at current theories and debates on selecting items for an archival collection. It also looks at the appraisal of items already existing within a collection, along with a number of different types and formats of items. The book gives practical advice and step by step guidelines on how to evaluate such a collection and items considered for inclusion in a collection. The book puts forth a good amount of theory for archivists to consider, along with functional guidelines for establishing a solid plan that considers every aspect of a collection.
Review: Bernet, Alexandra. Review of Selecting & Appraising Archives & Manuscripts by Frank Boles. Journal of Archival Organization Vol. 5 Issue 3, 2007: 68-70. Web.
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4
Book: I, Digital: Personal Collections in the Digital Era. Ed. Christopher (Cal) Lee. Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2011. Print and E-book.
Annotation: I, Digital provides essays by 10 different authors that examines the role of modern technologies and formats and their roles in documenting and preserving the lives of individuals today. The book is divided into three parts: 1) conceptual foundations, 2) genres, formats, and new methods of appraisal and selecting and 3) strategies and practices for professionals.
Review: Burrows, Toby. Review of I, Digital: Personal Collections in the Digital Era edited by Christopher (Cal) Lee. Archives & Manuscripts 40.2 (2012): 112-13.
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5
Book: Roe, Kathleen D. Arranging & Describing Archives & Manuscripts. Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2005. Print.
Annotation: Arranging & Describing is another of the six books from the Society of American Archivists’ Archival Fundamentals Series (II) mentioned above. In this second edition, Roe mixes archival theory and practical advice for putting that organization into practice, addressing electronic and digital issues in addition to traditional themes. Included in the book is historical background, real-world examples and sample tools.
Review: Surak, Amy. Review of Arranging & Describing Archives & Manuscripts by Kathleen D. Roe. Journal of Archival Organization 4.3 (2006): 145-147. Print and Web.
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6
Book: Theimer, Kate. Web 2.0 Tools and Strategies for Archives and Local History Collections. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2010. Print.
Annotation: Theimer is the author of the ArchivesNext blog (see below in the Websites and Blogs) section. In this book, she addresses relatively new modes of information sharing such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs, Flickr, YouTube, etc. and how to integrate them as part of an archival program. She provides an introduction to the “Web” today both for familiar users and not-so familiar users. She gives practical examples from the Library of Congress and other archives.
Review: King, Kiara. Review of Web 2.0 Tools and Strategies for Archives and Local History Collections by Kate Theimer. Journal of the Society of Archivists 32.2 (2011): 315-17. Print.
Journals
7
Journal: The American Archivist. Society of American Archivists. 1938-2013. Print and Web.
Annotation: The American Archivist is a semi-annual refereed journal published by the Society of American Archivists. It provides articles on topics relevant to those in the archival profession. A majority of the journal’s full-text articles (with the exception of the six most recent issues) are available at the publication’s website for free. The journal also provides reviews of other useful materials and websites for archive work and occasionally publishes and online supplement between journal editions.
Review: The American Archivist is a refereed journal.
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8
Journal: Journal of the Society of North Carolina Archivists. Society of North Carolina Archivists. 2002-2013. Print.
Annotation: This journal is published semi-annually by the Society of North Carolina Archivists (which was begun in 1984) and is available in print by subscription. While the full text of the journal is not available online, information from each issue is archived on the Society’s website, including articles that appeared in each edition, as well as reviews. The journal is peer-reviewed and accepts manuscripts from students, independent-researchers and professionals alike, along with those who do not reside in North Carolina. Articles include broad topics relevant to archivists across the country, as well as case studies from local state universities (see Vol. 9, No. 1 from Fall 2011 for a study from Wake Forest University about students using archives in documentaries). The reviewed works also prove useful for further research. See the "Websites and Blogs" section for more information about the Society's website.
Review: The Journal of the Society of North Carolina Archivists is a peer-reviewed journal.
Journal Articles
9
Article: Clement, Tanya, Wendy Hagenmaier, and Jennie Levine Knies. “Toward a Notion of the Archive of the Future: Impressions of Practice by Librarians, Archivists, and Digital Humanities Scholars.” Library Quarterly 83.2 (2013): 112-130. Web.
Annotation: This article from the April 2013 issue of Library Quarterly explores the roles of archivists and librarians in the changing world of digital archives (with a focus on scholarly, literary archives). It highlights various points of view about the definition and role of archives and provides background information about scholarly work on the subject. The article explores the role of digital works in archives, including access to such works and the ethical and editorial responsibilities archivists have towards these works and the larger digital collections. The article provides interviews with five professionals in digital collections, their definitions of such collections, views on the advantages and disadvantages of such collections, the future of digital collections.
Review: Library Quarterly is a peer-reviewed journal published by The University of Chicago Press.
Websites and Blogs
10
Blog: Theimer, Kate. ArchivesNext. 2013. ArchivesNext, 23 September 2013. Web.
Annotation: ArchivesNext is a blog by archival professional Kate Theimer that addresses a variety of issues facing archivists in the digital world (she started the blog in 2007). Theimer has formal education from the University of Michigan and University of Maryland and has presented at a number of conferences (per her online CV) and also teaches. She has published several relevant books in the field as well. The blog appears to be updated every two to three weeks, with older posts conveniently categorized by subject for easy access. In addition to focusing on topics facing archivists, her posts also provide references to other works and access to other resources, such as scholarships for budding archivists. Topics range from information about the scholarships, to disaster planning for archives (and related workshops), to salary and career issues.
Review: Clement, Tanya, Wendy Hagenmaier, and Jennie Levine Knies. “Toward a Notion of the Archive of the Future: Impressions of Practice by Librarians, Archivists, and Digital Humanities Scholars.” Library Quarterly 83.2 (2013): 112-130. Web. (ArchivesNext was cited in this article.)
The purpose of this wiki is to compile sources about how to collect, develop, preserve and otherwise manage local historical collections and archives (which can include personal documents, government records, photographs and other objects). It is intended as a resource not only for librarians, but for anyone who might be interested in these types of documents, particularly at a local or regional level. The resources here (organized by format) are intended to 1) provide practical examples of digital collections, 2) inform about and explore the role of technology and digitization in archives, 3) provide some fundamental information on creating and maintaining archives and special collections 4) give examples of resources for amateur or "do-it-yourself" archivists that a library collection could provide and 5) keep archivists, librarians and anyone interested in the profession up-to-date on current trends.
Online Digital Collections
1
Collection: Exploring North Carolina’s Cultural Heritage Online (NC ECHO). State Library of North Carolina. 1999-2012. Web. 25 September 2013. NC ECHO.
Annotation: NC ECHO is a collection of digital photographs, government and family records that was compiled and house by the State Library of North Carolina from 1999-2012. The collection is now hosted through NC LIVE and continues to grow (according to a press release from NC LIVE earlier this year). The collections are searchable by subject and are also organized by North Carolina county. They are composed of materials from seven different institutions across the state, including UNCG. In addition, the homepage provides links to cultural institutions throughout the state, grant programs provided by the State Library and guidelines for preservation, digitization and metadata for archival materials. Pictured at the top of the page is a postcard of my hometown, Scotland Neck, N.C., circa 1915-30, part of UNC Chapel Hill’s collection (I chose this picture because, while much of Main Street has changed, it is still one of the few towns in the country where people park in the middle of the street, a fact of which we are proud).
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2
Collection: Library of Congress Digital Collections. Library of Congress, n.d. Web. 25 September 2013. Library of Congress.
Annotation: It is assumed that the Library of Congress’ digital collections are well-known to archivists and librarians alike. For that reason, for its extensiveness, variety of subjects and more, it is a valuable tool for anyone looking to make digital collections available. The website highlights a number of featured collections (including the Works Progress Administration-era posters that the one above was taken from), but also provides an exhaustive list of subjects to search or browse as well. Formats in the collections include posters, photographs, drawings, sound recordings, maps and film, just to name a few. Although the Library of Congress is included in the list for its digital collections, its website is also an invaluable tool. Librarians may find the tutorials on preservation useful and also instructional to patrons. The LC website also provides reference services (including “Ask a Librarian” and access to its catalog).
Books
3
Book: Boles, Frank. Selecting & Appraising Archives & Manuscripts. Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2005. Print.
Annotation: Selecting & Appraising is one of six volumes in the Society of American Archivists’ Archival Fundamental Series (II). This is the second edition of the work. As its title suggests, the book provides a look at current theories and debates on selecting items for an archival collection. It also looks at the appraisal of items already existing within a collection, along with a number of different types and formats of items. The book gives practical advice and step by step guidelines on how to evaluate such a collection and items considered for inclusion in a collection. The book puts forth a good amount of theory for archivists to consider, along with functional guidelines for establishing a solid plan that considers every aspect of a collection.
Review: Bernet, Alexandra. Review of Selecting & Appraising Archives & Manuscripts by Frank Boles. Journal of Archival Organization Vol. 5 Issue 3, 2007: 68-70. Web.
***********
4
Book: I, Digital: Personal Collections in the Digital Era. Ed. Christopher (Cal) Lee. Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2011. Print and E-book.
Annotation: I, Digital provides essays by 10 different authors that examines the role of modern technologies and formats and their roles in documenting and preserving the lives of individuals today. The book is divided into three parts: 1) conceptual foundations, 2) genres, formats, and new methods of appraisal and selecting and 3) strategies and practices for professionals.
Review: Burrows, Toby. Review of I, Digital: Personal Collections in the Digital Era edited by Christopher (Cal) Lee. Archives & Manuscripts 40.2 (2012): 112-13.
***********
5
Book: Roe, Kathleen D. Arranging & Describing Archives & Manuscripts. Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2005. Print.
Annotation: Arranging & Describing is another of the six books from the Society of American Archivists’ Archival Fundamentals Series (II) mentioned above. In this second edition, Roe mixes archival theory and practical advice for putting that organization into practice, addressing electronic and digital issues in addition to traditional themes. Included in the book is historical background, real-world examples and sample tools.
Review: Surak, Amy. Review of Arranging & Describing Archives & Manuscripts by Kathleen D. Roe. Journal of Archival Organization 4.3 (2006): 145-147. Print and Web.
***********
6
Book: Theimer, Kate. Web 2.0 Tools and Strategies for Archives and Local History Collections. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2010. Print.
Annotation: Theimer is the author of the ArchivesNext blog (see below in the Websites and Blogs) section. In this book, she addresses relatively new modes of information sharing such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs, Flickr, YouTube, etc. and how to integrate them as part of an archival program. She provides an introduction to the “Web” today both for familiar users and not-so familiar users. She gives practical examples from the Library of Congress and other archives.
Review: King, Kiara. Review of Web 2.0 Tools and Strategies for Archives and Local History Collections by Kate Theimer. Journal of the Society of Archivists 32.2 (2011): 315-17. Print.
Journals
7
Journal: The American Archivist. Society of American Archivists. 1938-2013. Print and Web.
Annotation: The American Archivist is a semi-annual refereed journal published by the Society of American Archivists. It provides articles on topics relevant to those in the archival profession. A majority of the journal’s full-text articles (with the exception of the six most recent issues) are available at the publication’s website for free. The journal also provides reviews of other useful materials and websites for archive work and occasionally publishes and online supplement between journal editions.
Review: The American Archivist is a refereed journal.
***********
8
Journal: Journal of the Society of North Carolina Archivists. Society of North Carolina Archivists. 2002-2013. Print.
Annotation: This journal is published semi-annually by the Society of North Carolina Archivists (which was begun in 1984) and is available in print by subscription. While the full text of the journal is not available online, information from each issue is archived on the Society’s website, including articles that appeared in each edition, as well as reviews. The journal is peer-reviewed and accepts manuscripts from students, independent-researchers and professionals alike, along with those who do not reside in North Carolina. Articles include broad topics relevant to archivists across the country, as well as case studies from local state universities (see Vol. 9, No. 1 from Fall 2011 for a study from Wake Forest University about students using archives in documentaries). The reviewed works also prove useful for further research. See the "Websites and Blogs" section for more information about the Society's website.
Review: The Journal of the Society of North Carolina Archivists is a peer-reviewed journal.
Journal Articles
9
Article: Clement, Tanya, Wendy Hagenmaier, and Jennie Levine Knies. “Toward a Notion of the Archive of the Future: Impressions of Practice by Librarians, Archivists, and Digital Humanities Scholars.” Library Quarterly 83.2 (2013): 112-130. Web.
Annotation: This article from the April 2013 issue of Library Quarterly explores the roles of archivists and librarians in the changing world of digital archives (with a focus on scholarly, literary archives). It highlights various points of view about the definition and role of archives and provides background information about scholarly work on the subject. The article explores the role of digital works in archives, including access to such works and the ethical and editorial responsibilities archivists have towards these works and the larger digital collections. The article provides interviews with five professionals in digital collections, their definitions of such collections, views on the advantages and disadvantages of such collections, the future of digital collections.
Review: Library Quarterly is a peer-reviewed journal published by The University of Chicago Press.
Websites and Blogs
10
Blog: Theimer, Kate. ArchivesNext. 2013. ArchivesNext, 23 September 2013. Web.
Annotation: ArchivesNext is a blog by archival professional Kate Theimer that addresses a variety of issues facing archivists in the digital world (she started the blog in 2007). Theimer has formal education from the University of Michigan and University of Maryland and has presented at a number of conferences (per her online CV) and also teaches. She has published several relevant books in the field as well. The blog appears to be updated every two to three weeks, with older posts conveniently categorized by subject for easy access. In addition to focusing on topics facing archivists, her posts also provide references to other works and access to other resources, such as scholarships for budding archivists. Topics range from information about the scholarships, to disaster planning for archives (and related workshops), to salary and career issues.
Review: Clement, Tanya, Wendy Hagenmaier, and Jennie Levine Knies. “Toward a Notion of the Archive of the Future: Impressions of Practice by Librarians, Archivists, and Digital Humanities Scholars.” Library Quarterly 83.2 (2013): 112-130. Web. (ArchivesNext was cited in this article.)