Overview

Historical records are a focus and collecting area for many historical societies, history museums and other historical agencies. Yet many historical records programs face special challenges and needs, from inadequate resource levels, physical preservation problems, under-developed documentation, appraisal and collecting policies, etc. In Managing Historical Records, Dearstyne's goal is to foster stronger, more vibrant historical records programs by introducing archival work and describing strategies, approaches, principles and practices of strong programs. Lots of examples, checklists, and appendices help in finding solutions and approaches. A must-have resource for anyone considering starting a historical records program or who already has one and wants to strengthen it.

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Reviews

Dearstyne gives the aspiring archivist/curator in 270 pages nearly all the information he or she will need to provide basic services for historical records. Such records are defined in this work so that it is applicable to both archival and personally generated materials (manuscripts)...Everything from preservation strategies for paper records through formulating program ideas for electronic records is covered here...Dearstyne's extensive personal experience in the field...along with his more recent position as a professor of archival studies...make him an ideal choice to do this work. In addition, his clear writing style and careful organization make the book all the more useful...The book is an ideal starting point for individuals new to the field. It not only gives the reader useful information but also inspiration on why and how records work can be a truly exciting career choice. -- David J. Olson, North Carolina Division of Archives and History The North Carolina Historical Review Dearstyne's destiny seems certain: his work will be the textbook for classes on managing historical records. He brings to the subject both administrative and teaching experience and conveys his enthusiasm for the field. Seasoned genealogists will concur with his statement, 'Using historical records leads to excitement and discovery.' -- Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer, MLS National Genealogical Society Quarterly A useful handbook for any organization concerned with historical records, this book describes both the current philosophies of records management and the nuts and bolts of storing, organizing, and making records available to the public. Utah Historical Quarterly

Author Information

Dr. Bruce W. Dearstyne is associate professor at the College of Library and Information Services, University of Maryland, where he teaches archival and records management courses and coordinates the archives, records, and information management specialty in the M.L.S. program. Prior to assuming that position in 1997, he was for many years a program director at the New York State Archives and Records Administration. He is the author of many articles and several books, including The Archival Enterprise (1993) and Managing Government Records and Information (1999).

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