Managing Historical Records Programs: A Guide for Historical Agencies(American Association for State and Local History)

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.

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

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).

Review :
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. 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.' 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.