Managing Historical Records Programs

Book excerpt: 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, including inadequate resource levels, physical preservation problems, and underdeveloped documentation, appraisal, and collecting policies. In Managing Historical Records Programs, Bruce Dearstyne's goal is to foster stronger, more vibrant historical records programs by introducing the basics of archival work to historical agency personnel. He describes strategies, approaches, principles, and best practices of strong programs while providing lots of examples, checklists, and appendixes that help solve complex problems. An important resource for anyone considering starting a historical records program or wishing to strengthen an existing one. Book jacket.