Archival Basics for Historic Record Collections is an introduction to
the concepts, policies, infrastructure and tasks needed to collect,
preserve and make archival collections available to researchers. The
book is based on content presented in workshops by the Council of State
Archivists and presented in an on-line course by the American
Association of State and Local History since 2003. Arp focuses on the
discreet tasks necessary to manage archival collections. This is a
practical, how-to book on managing archival collections designed for
those who have responsibility for such collections but lack formal
archival training. The book begins by defining historic records,
archival collections and the differences between archives, libraries and
museums while identifying the steps needed to manage archival
collections. It then looks at collecting archival items including
creating a collections policy, documenting the acquisition of archival
items and the steps needed to bring those items into an archives. It
discusses arranging, preserving and describing archival collections so
researchers can find the information they seek. Next, it goes over what
is needed to store, protect, and make archival collections available to
researchers. The last chapters contemplates the policies, skills and
infrastructure needed to successfully manage digital records and looks
at creating digital copies of analog records to promote their use. The
book provides templates, questionnaires and examples to enable the
reader to create customized archival policies and procedures that
accommodate the particular circumstances they find themselves in. The
book also contains exercises and quizzes designed to reinforce the
retention and understanding of critical concepts. In addition to
examples it has lists of additional resources so those who want more
detailed information on particular topics can find it. This book is not
the only reference book needed by those doing archival work, but it
should be the first book they need.
