Archivists have been out in front, setting an example for our colleagues in libraries and museums. We've pioneered collection-level records, addressed our backlogs, pooled our collection descriptions in XML, and recognized synergies of unique materials and digital libraries. The rate of change will continue to accelerate. Our jobs are changing, research expectations are changing, and sometimes the way we have always done things will no longer do. We need to take risks and experiment. Yet, this so-called redefinition of archives today reinforces longstanding archival theory, standards, and practice.
The future requires us to re-examine and embrace our traditions. Our experience thinking about context, aggregate-level description, and documentation practice can enable efficiencies in the digital environment. We have selected, arranged, described, and preserved our archival collections for a primary purpse -- LONG TERM ACCESS. Now we need to disclose our collections where researchers EXPECT TO FIND THEM: on the Web. This future holds opportunities to connect with researchers in ways we have always wanted to.
Intro --
Appraisal needs to come 1st not when processing, not take it all to be on the safe side. Have a collection plan! Only look at those things that fit that plan. Don't take anything that DOESN'T fit. Field appraisal in the home with clear communication results in very little problems in practice. FAST - sampling, asking relevant questions, NO WEEDING.
E-records - need method & practice. Why should e-rec arrangement & description be any different from paper rec.? Appraisal is the same as well.
Digitization -- can find things if series and sub-series are done well & an understanding of provenance. Get over our fascination w/ individual docs. Perfect is the enemy of the good. More guardians in archives than the general public processes need to be FLEXIBLE -- ask why we do things this way DAILY!
Jennifer Schaffner - Future Belongs to Archivists
"I believe the archivists are the future, teach them well and let them lead the way . . . " Nah, she didn't sing it or play it . . .
Leading the world of information; change is the order of the day; be on the web; access is the key to survival of archives.
The Big Bang - creating the new library universe - Aussies - digital content on the rise, we collect local to present to the world. Compared access to digital collections to locked up journals, etc. Deliver the archives to the public. The digital is both the original and the backup - mindless itemitis!! Look for relationships, scan on demand, not just images. Scan documents rather than photocopy, low resolution - UT Austin is doing this. Goes to PDF, may scan entire record, not just the page(s) asked for. Don't worry too much about the metadata.
People want more stuff, no more item level metadata.
How to Introduce Change . . .
Funding - large scale access through NEH and NHPRC - CHANGE is OUR RESPONSIBILITY!!
Three things to try at home
- microfilm conversion to digital and served online
- ordinary digital camera instead of scanner!
- scan master negs that are stock and trade and get them online
Route 66 - some people like the mother road just fine
some people like the interstate better . . .
and then there are the people who just want to FLY . . .
Start Flying!
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