LIBR 256
Archives and Manuscripts
Fall 2004

Instructor: David de Lorenzo
E-mail

GREENSHEET

I. Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of managing archives andmanuscript 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, aswell as ethical, social, and political issues impacting archival work. The class includes boththeoretical and practical components and will consist of lectures, readings, discussions, andhands-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 asinformation professionals by training them in the principles of archival management. Overthe 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, reserved, 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 Readings

Hunter, Gregory S. Developing and Maintaining Practical Archives: A How-To-Do-It Manual. Second Edition. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2003.

IV. Recommended Texts (Available through SAA)

• Frederic M. Miller. Arranging and Describing Archives and Manuscripts. (Society Of American Archivists, 1992)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)

V. Course Requirements

Mid-Term Paper: Review & Analysis (5 pages) of National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC), National Inventory of Documentary Sources (NIDS), and NHPRC Directory of Archives and Manuscript Repositories in the United States (1988), RLIN, and the OAC.

Collection Survey. Students will focus on surveying an assigned collection in which they will develop a full processing plan which includes an appraisal recommendation, an identification of the series, a statement on the scope and contents and a completed MARC collection-level record. The purpose of this practicum is to give students experience applying archival theory and method to the processing of a real collection of documents. Detailed instructions for this assignment will be provided.

VI. Grading

• Class Participation: 5 Points
• Five-Page Mid-Term Paper: 25 Points
• Processing Plan: 50
• MARC Collection-Level Record: 20

Final grades will be based on the following grading scale established for graduate studentsby 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+

VII. Office Hours

You may contact Professor de Lorenzo by email during the semester or schedule an appointment prior to or following any class, or by email.

VIII. Contact Information

Email: ddeloren@library.berkeley.edu
Telephone/Voicemail: 510-643-3203

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