On-Site Consultations Helpful To Archives

A number of historical institutions have had on-site consultations through the NNY Library Network and Documentary Heritage Program. A trained consultant conducts the reviews at no charge to the organization.

The Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society had a follow-up review on January 18, 2007. The original visit had been performed in 2001.

Following the recommendation of the 2001 report, a clean and secure historical records space has been identified, and many records are now labeled. The consultant recommended the creation of a disaster plan.

A review was conducted at the Friends of History in Fulton on December 12, 2006.

The consultant suggested the institution’s glass plate negative collection be sorted, and given themes and date ranges. She said once an inventory is completed and the collection arranged, a finding aid should be created. The negatives should only be cleaned with a clean, dry, cotton cloth.

The Town of Volney Historian’s Office received a consultation on December 8, 2006.

The consultant pointed out not all records have historical value, and the large newspaper clippings file should be photocopied onto acid-free paper. It was suggested a Mission Statement and Collections Policy be created, and forms should be adapted for usage.

A review was done at the New Haven History Center on December 8, 2006.

The consultant suggested the Center review its archival collection and determine if the records meet their mission statement terms, acquisition policy, or collections focus. It was suggested more detailed finding aides be created for collections with a high significance. The Center was encouraged to recruit additional volunteers.

The CVPH Medical Center Archives had a consultation on November 24, 2006.

The consultant recommended a Collection Management Policy be completed; an archival security policy be written; the current finding aids be expanded; and volunteers be provided with guidelines for effective user service and referral.

A consultation was conducted at the Lake Placid Public Library on November 16, 2006.

It was recommended that all forms be dated to ensure timely review and revision if needed; historical records be housed in a clean, dry, secure space with containers appropriate to format; and the use of PastPerfect be considered as the collection management software.

The Chateaugay Historical Society had an on-site review on October 3, 2006.

The consultant suggested the staff become familiar with use protocols and observe them; a website for the Society be developed; local and regional funding through the Adirondack Trust Company be sought; and a volunteer program be implemented.

All site reviews are conducted free of charge. All recommendations are suggestions only, and are not subject to mandated follow-up.

Any archives or historical documents repository that is interested in having a consultation is encouraged to print and fill out the form available online at www.nnyln.net/dhpapp.php and send it back to the Northern New York Library Network. Remember, no institution is too big or small to be considered.