Overview

All too often the image of a public library archive is of a dusty collection of artifacts and documents occasionally exhumed for a neglected display case. But librarians and archivists across the country are turning that stereotype on its head, developing innovative ways to bring library users into new relationships with archival professionals and research collections. From social archives and citizen cartography to artist-curators and photovoice projects, special collections departments are demonstrating their value not only for preservation but also for outreach, education, and public service. In this book Schull canvasses the nation, showcasing exciting ideas that can be adapted for every public library. A must-have text for anyone with responsibilities for directing, managing or teaching archival services, as well as for those who are studying best practices and planning for change, this book Offers examples of more than 100 projects that reflect the scope and variety of emerging practices that foster public engagement, culled from conversations with dozens of the nation’s leading public library archivists and special collections staff Profiles 13 institutions and departments that are in the forefront of change Analyzes trends in public programming, community documentation, and digital communications that are re-shaping the image, functions, content, and uses of public library archives and special collections Sharing models for institutions seeking to expand connections with public audiences, this unique survey demonstrates how to make archives come alive for libraries and their communities.

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9780838913352

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Diantha Dow Schull is an advisor to libraries, museums, and foundations on organizational and program development. She was formerly president of Libraries for the Future and the Americans for Libraries Council. Earlier, she was executive director of the French-American Foundation, director of exhibitions and education at the New York Public Library, director of interpretive programs at the Library of Congress, and assistant director of the Museum Aid Program of the New York State Council on the Arts. Schull serves on the board of the Connecticut Humanities Council. She is the author of 50+ Library Services: Innovation in Action as well as numerous articles on cultural institutions and was coeditor, with Pauline Rothstein, of Boomers and Beyond: Reconsidering the Role of Libraries.

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