Abstract:
Archival collections assessment is the systematic, purposeful gathering of quantitative and qualitative information about archival collections. It is undertaken for any of a variety of purposes, including appraisal (and re-appraisal); setting processing, digitization, and other priorities; conservation decision-making; supporting grant writing; and collection management. This seminar will provide food for thought and fuel for activity for those who are considering collections assessment to meet one or several institutional needs. Drawing from the recently-published “Taking Stock and Making Hay” report, we will present methodologies and tools that have been employed successfully by others and can be modified or used as-is; encourage participants to consider their own needs and capacities when articulating a rationale for conducting a collections assessment; and demonstrate how collections assessment can provide compelling data that can be used to inform important decisions and secure additional resources.
Description:
Jennifer Borderud, Baylor University (moderator); Lisa Carter, Ohio State University; Martha O’Hara Conway, Special Collections Library, University of Michigan; Merrilee Proffitt, OCLC Research
