LIBR 256
Archives and Manuscripts
Spring 2003

Dr. Gabriele Carey
ggcarey@emacorp.com

Course Links

Class Schedule

GREENSHEET

I. Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of managing archives and manuscript collections. Both personal papers and institutional records (public and private) will be covered, as will a variety of record formats such as photographic materials and electronic records. Topics addressed will include collection acquisition and appraisal, arrangement and description, reference and public access, oral history, and preservation, as well as ethical, social, and political issues impacting archival work. The class includes both theoretical and practical components and will consist of lectures, readings, discussions, and hands-on experience processing a modest records collection.

II. Course and School Objectives

This course meets the School’s objective to prepare students to function effectively as information professionals by training them in the principles of archival management. Over the course of the semester, the class will address the following key questions:

1. What are archives and manuscripts and why are they important?

2. How are archival records identified and acquired, arranged and described, preserved, and made available for public use?

3. What are the significant professional, ethical, and legal issues facing archivists today?

4. How have new technologies impacted archives and archival collections?

III. Required Texts (Available at Spartan Bookstore or through SAA)

Gregory S. Hunter. Developing and Maintaining Practical Archives: A How To-Do-It Manual (Neal-Schuman, 1997)

Randall Jimerson, ed. American Archival Studies: Readings in Theory and Practice (Society of American Archivists, 2000)

Michael J. Fox and Peter J. Wilkerson. Introduction to Archival Organization and Description: Access to Cultural Heritage (Getty Information Institute, 1998). Available from Amazon.com or at http://www.schistory.org/getty/
Other short articles and websites assigned throughout the semester.

VI. Recommended Texts (Available through SAA)

F. Gerald Ham. Selecting and Appraising Archives and Manuscripts (Society of American Archivists, 1992)

Mary Jo Pugh. Providing Reference Services for Archives and Manuscripts (Society of American Archivists, 1992)

Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler. Preserving Archives and Manuscripts (Society of American Archivists, 1993)

Daniel Pitti and Wendy M. Duff, ed. Encoded Archival Description on the Internet (Haworth Press, 2002)

VII. Course Requirements

Exercises. There will be three take-home exercises that require students to reflect on and apply the archival theories and principles covered in class lectures, required texts, and the professional literature.

Class Participation. This is an intensive course. It is therefore imperative that students attend every class session in its entirety. Missing class will result in 0 points for class participation.

Processing Practicum. Students will spend the final weekend processing a collection of archival records. The purpose of this practicum is to give students experience applying archival theory and method to the processing of a real collection of documents. At the conclusion of the practicum, students will be expected to submit an EAD-ready finding aid describing the materials in their appointed boxes. Detailed instructions for this assignment will be provided.

VIII. Grading

Final grades will be based on the following grading scale established for graduate students by San Jose State University:

100 – 97 = A
96 – 94 = A-
93 – 91 = B+
90 – 88 = B
87 – 85 = B-
84 – 82 = C+
81 – 79 = C
78 – 76 = C-
75 – 73 = D+

IX. Office Hours

You may contact Dr. Carey by email during the semester or schedule an appointment prior to or following any class.

X. Contact Information

Email: ggcarey@emacorp.com

Telephone/Voicemail: (714) 529-3953