Archives in the Library

Saving school memoriesthe school Library as archive and museum

Archives
What is an archive?
Who Uses Archives?
Students, journalists, lawyers, historians, and those interested in local history or genealogy
A collection of materials that document the lives of people in a community.

What Materials belong in a school archive?
Materials that have historical significance such as…
Letters
Diaries
Photos
Maps
Audio and video recordings
Class Pictures
Sports Memorabilia (trophies, plaques, medals)
Legal documents like blueprints and building plans

How are libraries, Museums, and Archives connected?
All Three Institutions…

Why should the library preserve school history?
To keep a record of the way the community has grown and changed
To create a living record of the school and community
To help students and families learn how to preserve their own cultures and traditions
So that those who want to learn about the past will have a resource to find information about people, places, and things from long ago

How do you develop a Collection
Encourage students, family, and community members to bring in items related to the school/community during National Preservation week
Digitize photos and documents
Be sure to have a signed release for donations
Collaborate with local agencies like historical societies, and museums.

How can you promote the Collection
Create displays to exhibit in the library or other school locations
Have students create PhotoStories about certain eras or events
Retain a searchable database
Label artifacts and photos with as much information as is known
Create curriculum activities that use materials to teach local history
Allow public access through the school website

Cataloging Materials
Unpublished manuscripts, photos, and materials are categorized as archival material
They should be grouped by subject matter and by date
Keep a clear record of how you categorize materials so others can use your system
Use a database to keep track of items

Who should be involved?
Have students conduct audio or video interviews
Encourage families and community members to lend or donate items
Ask PTA and teachers for items that may be in the school
Collaborate with local libraries, historical societies, churches, and museums

Preservation Activities
“Saving Family Treasures” Day
Sharing Family Recipes Activities
“Tell us your Story” Day
Hire archivists for a day to help begin the collection and teach preservation skills to the public
Offer free scanning of family documents and photos

Celebrate National Preservation Week @Your Library (An initiative of ALA and ALCTS)
April 24-30, 2011
Every library is encouraged to do one preservation activity
Encourage families to preserve their photos, letters, and other documents
Visit the website for an extensive list of ideas and resources ww.ala.org/preservationweek/

Additional resources
National Archives Modern Archives Institute www.archives.gov/preservation/modern-archives-institute/
NorthEast Document Conservation Center www.nedcc.org/home.php
Smithsonian Archive Center www.siarchives.si.org
American Heritage Preservation Grant www.imls.gov/
Society of American Archivists www2.archivists.org/
Library of Congress www.loc.gov
American Folklife center
Prints and photograph division
Manuscripts division

Cataloging Resources
Roe, K. (2005). Arranging and Describing Archives and Manscripts (Archival Fundamentals Series II). Society of American Archivists.
Backstage Library Works www.bslw.com (One of several companies that will, for a fee, organize, preserve, and catalog a collection)

Archiving Supplies “Box”
Plastic sleeves for photos in various sizes
Acid-free backing paper
Acid-free envelopes, files, and labels in various sizes
Preservation boxes
White gloves
Flash drives, CDs, and other digital storage devices
High-resolution scanners

Laura sisson
SHSU, Class of 2010
Librarian, Woodlawn Elementary School and Woodlawn Hills Elementary School, San Antonio ISD

Archives in the Library

by Losisson on Jun 28, 2011

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