Saving school memoriesthe school Library as archive and museum
Archives What is an archive? Who Uses Archives? Students, journalists, lawyers, historians, and those interested in local history or genealogy A collection of materials that document the lives of people in a community.
What Materials belong in a school archive? Materials that have historical significance such as… Letters Diaries Photos Maps Audio and video recordings Class Pictures Sports Memorabilia (trophies, plaques, medals) Legal documents like blueprints and building plans
How are libraries, Museums, and Archives connected? All Three Institutions…
Why should the library preserve school history? To keep a record of the way the community has grown and changed To create a living record of the school and community To help students and families learn how to preserve their own cultures and traditions So that those who want to learn about the past will have a resource to find information about people, places, and things from long ago
How do you develop a Collection Encourage students, family, and community members to bring in items related to the school/community during National Preservation week Digitize photos and documents Be sure to have a signed release for donations Collaborate with local agencies like historical societies, and museums.
How can you promote the Collection Create displays to exhibit in the library or other school locations Have students create PhotoStories about certain eras or events Retain a searchable database Label artifacts and photos with as much information as is known Create curriculum activities that use materials to teach local history Allow public access through the school website
Cataloging Materials Unpublished manuscripts, photos, and materials are categorized as archival material They should be grouped by subject matter and by date Keep a clear record of how you categorize materials so others can use your system Use a database to keep track of items
Who should be involved? Have students conduct audio or video interviews Encourage families and community members to lend or donate items Ask PTA and teachers for items that may be in the school Collaborate with local libraries, historical societies, churches, and museums
Preservation Activities “Saving Family Treasures” Day Sharing Family Recipes Activities “Tell us your Story” Day Hire archivists for a day to help begin the collection and teach preservation skills to the public Offer free scanning of family documents and photos
Celebrate National Preservation Week @Your Library (An initiative of ALA and ALCTS) April 24-30, 2011 Every library is encouraged to do one preservation activity Encourage families to preserve their photos, letters, and other documents Visit the website for an extensive list of ideas and resources ww.ala.org/preservationweek/
Additional resources National Archives Modern Archives Institute www.archives.gov/preservation/modern-archives-institute/ NorthEast Document Conservation Center www.nedcc.org/home.php Smithsonian Archive Center www.siarchives.si.org American Heritage Preservation Grant www.imls.gov/ Society of American Archivists www2.archivists.org/ Library of Congress www.loc.gov American Folklife center Prints and photograph division Manuscripts division
Cataloging Resources Roe, K. (2005). Arranging and Describing Archives and Manscripts (Archival Fundamentals Series II). Society of American Archivists. Backstage Library Works www.bslw.com (One of several companies that will, for a fee, organize, preserve, and catalog a collection)
Archiving Supplies “Box” Plastic sleeves for photos in various sizes Acid-free backing paper Acid-free envelopes, files, and labels in various sizes Preservation boxes White gloves Flash drives, CDs, and other digital storage devices High-resolution scanners
Laura sisson SHSU, Class of 2010 Librarian, Woodlawn Elementary School and Woodlawn Hills Elementary School, San Antonio ISD