Compiled by Anne P. Smith and Jill Swiecichowski, April 1999
Updated by Beth Patkus, August 2010
The Manual and Self-Assessment Guide were first published in 1999 by the Georgia Archives and the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Board (GHRAB). The 2010 revision was funded by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
This Manual is designed to assist all 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. This Manual is intended to serve as a resource and provide general guidance regarding the key elements of practice. It is not intended to replace archival training.
The elements 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.
This 2010 revision of the Manual, funded by a grant from NHPRC, expanded the number of elements of preferred practice, adding several 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.
Preferred Practices for Historical Repositories: A Resource Manual
Saving Georgia’s Documentary Heritage: A Self-Assessment Guide
For a printed copy of the manual, please contact ghrac@usg.edu.
