Reading Response Eight: Outreach at College and University Archives

College and University Archives: Readings in Theory and Practice

Chapter 7- “Perspectives on Outreach at College and University Archives.”

By Tamar G. Chute

The concept of outreach is quite broad, but it is essential to the survival of the archives for both use and funding.    There can be direct outreach in the form of activities and programs sponsored or indirect outreach in the form of word of mouth and praise.  This chapter covers different types of outreach that college and university archives have or can attempt.  The chapter contains a great deal of information to take in and refer back to.

One of my favorite suggestions was using the alumni magazine.  The archives could sponsor an “ask the archivist” section in which an archivist could answer questions, write a short article about some of the history of the university, or highlight a collection.  This could help to gain wider interest and illicit donations from alumni who may have similar materials to those highlighted.   The basis of the suggestions outlined seem to be that highlighting archival materials in a variety of ways from tours, exhibits, brochures, and aiding anniversary celebrations is a great way to gain new interest and new materials.  A tour of the archives for a class in undergrad is actually how I initially discovered the archives and began using it.  This was a history class, though, and this chapter actually encourages archives to reach out to disciplines less likely to hear about the archives, such as English, architecture, speech, and journalism classes.  It is important to think of the wide variety of audiences who could utilize the archives.

The chapter also discussed target audiences, including students, alumni, faculty, administration and staff, and the local public.  The faculty stay longer than students and are also a direct link to students, so it is important to make them aware of archival resources.   Outreach to administration is also important as they are the ones who allocate the funds.   Something I had not thought about as much, however, was outreach to staff.  Chute points out that the staff is usually responsible for the transfer of records and therefore should be informed of what is important to transfer.

To wrap up, Chute discusses evaluating outreach and the importance of setting obtainable goals.  Possible conflicts are also discussed, such as budgeting and staffing.  Outreach has to be balanced with other activities going on in the archives.  However, it also includes other activities, such as reference, exhibits, and teaching, and is essential for obtaining funds and new materials.

Chute, Tamar G. “Perspectives on Outreach at College and University Archives.” In College and University Archives: Readings in Theory and Practice, edited by Christopher J. Prom and Ellen D. Swain. Chicago : Society of American Archivists, 2008.