Archives in the Library
- 1. Saving school memoriesthe school Library as archive and museum
- 2. ArchivesWhat is an archive?Who Uses Archives?Students, journalists, lawyers, historians, and those interested in local history or genealogyA collection of materials that document the lives of people in a community.
- 3. What Materials belong in a school archive?Materials that have historical significance such as…LettersDiariesPhotosMapsAudio and video recordingsClass PicturesSports Memorabilia (trophies, plaques, medals)Legal documents like blueprints and building plans
- 4. How are libraries, Museums, and Archives connected?All Three Institutions…
- 5. Why should the library preserve school history?To keep a record of the way the community has grown and changedTo create a living record of the school and communityTo help students and families learn how to preserve their own cultures and traditionsSo that those who want to learn about the past will have a resource to find information about people, places, and things from long ago
- 6. How do you develop a CollectionEncourage students, family, and community members to bring in items related to the school/community during National Preservation weekDigitize photos and documentsBe sure to have a signed release for donationsCollaborate with local agencies like historical societies, and museums.
- 7. How can you promote the CollectionCreate displays to exhibit in the library or other school locationsHave students create PhotoStories about certain eras or eventsRetain a searchable databaseLabel artifacts and photos with as much information as is knownCreate curriculum activities that use materials to teach local historyAllow public access through the school website
- 8. Cataloging MaterialsUnpublished manuscripts, photos, and materials are categorized as archival materialThey should be grouped by subject matter and by dateKeep a clear record of how you categorize materials so others can use your systemUse a database to keep track of items
- 9. Who should be involved?Have students conduct audio or video interviewsEncourage families and community members to lend or donate itemsAsk PTA and teachers for items that may be in the schoolCollaborate with local libraries, historical societies, churches, and museums
- 10. Preservation Activities“Saving Family Treasures” DaySharing Family Recipes Activities“Tell us your Story” DayHire archivists for a day to help begin the collection and teach preservation skills to the publicOffer free scanning of family documents and photos
- 11. Celebrate National Preservation Week @Your Library (An initiative of ALA and ALCTS)April 24-30, 2011Every library is encouraged to do one preservation activityEncourage families to preserve their photos, letters, and other documentsVisit the website for an extensive list of ideas and resources ww.ala.org/preservationweek/
- 12. Additional resourcesNational Archives Modern Archives Institute www.archives.gov/preservation/modern-archives-institute/NorthEast Document Conservation Center www.nedcc.org/home.phpSmithsonian Archive Center www.siarchives.si.orgAmerican Heritage Preservation Grant www.imls.gov/Society of American Archivists www2.archivists.org/ Library of Congress www.loc.govAmerican Folklife centerPrints and photograph divisionManuscripts division
- 13. Cataloging ResourcesRoe, 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)
- 14. Archiving Supplies “Box”Plastic sleeves for photos in various sizesAcid-free backing paperAcid-free envelopes, files, and labels in various sizesPreservation boxesWhite glovesFlash drives, CDs, and other digital storage devicesHigh-resolution scanners
- 15. Laura sissonSHSU, Class of 2010Librarian, Woodlawn Elementary School and Woodlawn Hills Elementary School, San Antonio ISD