Library Policies and Procedures: Archives

ARCHIVES

GHRAB and the Georgia Archives announce that Preferred Practices for Historical Repositories: A Resource Manual and Self-Assessment Guide has been updated and published online.

http://sos.georgia.gov/archives/who_are_we/ghrab/preferred_practices_manual.html

This Manual is designed to assist governing boards, directors, and staff members of historical repositories in strengthening their organizations and their work in preserving Georgia’s documentary heritage.  The focus is on small and medium sized repositories that house and care for historical records, including libraries, museums, archives, historical societies and similar organizations. 

Element of preferred practice are grouped by similar activity; each is defined and the reasons for importance are stated.  Appendices provide resources with more in-depth information, as well as links to sample forms and policies.  The Self-Assessment Guide is designed to work with the Manual by helping repositories identify areas of strength and areas that need additional attention and development.  With this knowledge, repositories can establish reasonable goals for improvement and develop short term and long range plans.

Originally published in 1999, the 2010 revision, funded by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), expands the number of elements of preferred practice, adding new sections on digital materials and preservation.  Existing elements were updated to reflect new information and professional practices. The Self-Assessment Guide was also expanded and updated to reflect the new organization of the Manual.

The Manual can be downloaded as a single PDF or by section.  For a printed copy, please contact ghrab@sos.state.ga.us.

 Added Oct. 7, 2010