Managing Institutional Archives

Cox's work is a landmark, long overdue in the archival community. Because of its detailed attention to basic archival functions--processing, appraisal, conservation, security, collection policies--it makes an outstanding text for beginning archivists. Designed for institutional settings and archivists responsible for running them, its focus is thematic but broad enough in scope to address most archival questions regardless of institution. Perhaps the most outstanding feature is Cox's sensitive hand at weaving issues, practices, and the questions surrounding lack of standardization and other concerns into the text at appropriate places. Highly recommended. Library Journal

This volume is intended to aid both those organizations considering the establishment of an institutional archives and those practicing archivists needing materials to assist them in evaluating their programs and planning for their development.

This volume is intended to aid both those organizations considering the establishment of an institutional archives and those practicing archivists needing materials to assist them in evaluating their programs and planning for their development. The author's theme is that archival programs found in corporate, educational, cultural, and religious institutions are necessary both to the organizations themselves and their efficient functioning and to society's concern for preserving its documentary heritage.

Managing Institutional Archives covers all aspects of managing an archival program. There are chapters on appraisal and acquisition; preservation and security; arrangement, description, and reference; internal and external support, fund-raising and grantsmanship; and cooperation. The impact of new information technology on organizations and the implications for their archives are discussed. A detailed examination of three case studies of archives is provided. The final chapter is a description of sources for additional assistance in managing institutional archives. Managing Institutional Archives will be useful to archival specialists, administrators, educators, and others needing guidance about the elements of managing archives. Its contents is based on a wide-reading of archival theory and practice and nearly two decades of archival experience by the author.