Archives Associate Newsletters
Page 4
Spring 2008
On-Site Reviews Have Continued Success
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.
A site visit was made to the Pulaski Historical Society on March 3, 2008.
The consultant suggested an accession record be used when a new collection is processed; a Collections Committee with four-five members be created; the temperature and humidity in the archives room be monitored; and one or two small collections be processed.
A site visit was made to the Ticonderoga Historical Society on January 31, 2008.
The consultant suggested a long-range plan be written in 2008; adding finding aids to their website should be considered; using volunteers to retrieve historical records; trained staff should provide guidance in the use of resources; and distribution of their brochure be conducted.
A site review was completed at the Essex County Historical Society Brewster Memorial Library on December 6, 2007.
The consultant suggested a mission statement be completed and publicized; existing finding aids should be gathered for use by researchers as a convenience, as well as being a theft/damage deterrent; historical records should be stored in a clean, dry and secure place; and a volunteer program be established to provide assistance in the public service and processing aspects of the historical records program.
A site visit was made to the Clinton Community College Library Special Collections on October 25, 2007.
It was suggested by the consultant that a gift form be written and approved by the library administration; Special Collections hours be set and observed, and the staff be thoroughly trained; and participation in DHP workshops as needed was recommended.
A site visit was made to the Hepburn Library of Madrid on October 18, 2007.
The consultant suggested the pros and cons of donating part or all of the historical collection to the local historical society be discussed; an inventory should be created; policies and forms to manage the collection should be created; and the collection should be preserved by using acid free materials and photocopying any newsprint onto acid free paper.
A site review at the Franklin County Historical Society was conducted on August 14, 2007.
The consultant stated the Society had plans to digitize a large collection of photographs. They were invited to participate in the Network's North Country Digital History project.
A site review was conducted at the Henderson Historical Society on July 18, 2007.
The consultant suggested the Principle of Provenance and Original Order be followed; DHP workshops should be attended when possible; and a temporary donor form, deed of gift form, and accession records should be used.
A site review at the Trudeau Institute in Saranac Lake was conducted on July 16, 2007.
The consultant reported the Institute had a collection of scrapbooks they wanted to digitize and make available to a wider audience. It was arranged to have the scrapbooks shipped to the NNYLN office and to be scanned, when staffing time permitted.
A site visit was made to the American Handweaving Museum in Clayton on July 5, 2007.
The consultant suggested an inventory be completed; basic conservation be done; de-humidifiers be purchased for storage areas; and finding aids be created.
------------------------ 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 fill out the form found at www.nnyln.org/dhpapp.php and send it to the Northern New York Library Network. Remember, no institution is too big or small to be considered.
Page 1, Page 2, Page 3
Back to Newsletters