Activating the Athens State University Archives

FAIN: PG-287518-22

Athens State College (Athens, AL 35611-1902)
Laken Smith (Project Director: January 2022 to April 2025)

A preservation assessment and staff training for handling and storage of institutional collections, which date back to the school’s founding as a Methodist women’s two-year college two hundred years ago.

Athens State University Archives will undertake a general assessment of collections that serve as humanities resources. This assessment is crucial to improving our service ability and would assist in the formation of short- and long-term goals that would focus on enhancing accessibility. As a 200 year old educational institution in the American South, this effort falls within “A More Perfect Union” initiative by preserving, sharing, and contextualizing foundational American events. This effort will help find and tell the narratives of underrepresented populations throughout American history. By digitizing the records of every day events, the Athens State Archives can make these organizational documents safer, keep the information alive, accessible, and relevant.

Media Coverage

Athens State receives grant from National Endowment for the Humanities (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Lane, Taylor
Publication: The News Courier
Date: 9/6/2022
Abstract: This article announces the Preservation Assistance Grant for Smaller Institutions that The Athens State University Archives was awarded and offers details on what the grant will be used for.
URL: http://https://www.enewscourier.com/news/athens-state-receives-grant-from-national-endowment-for-the-humanities/article_da2d8f12-2d2b-11ed-b349-8735b1ed07d8.html

Athens State Receives Grant From the National Endowment for the Humanities (Media Coverage)
Author(s): The Columns Staff
Publication: The Columns
Date: 9/2/2023
Abstract: This article reports the Athens State University as a recipient of a NEH Preservation Assistance Grant for Smaller Institutions. It gives an overview of the grant and informs readers about how the Archives will use the grant to improve their service.
URL: http://https://www.athensedu.org/pdfs/alumni/newsletters/Column-Winter-2023.pdf

Associated Products

Athens State University Archives Evaluation (Report)
Title: Athens State University Archives Evaluation
Author: Margot Note
Abstract: Executive Summary This evaluation conducted for the University Archives at Athens State University outlines findings and recommendations derived from five areas: • needs assessment • collection development • policy analysis • services refinement • space recommendations. The elements of this evaluation provide a framework for enhancing Athens State University’s operations. Each facet of the evaluation revealed a concerning pattern: the University Archives’ lack of agency and autonomy on campus. Having a department run by professional archivists with experience and expertise ensures the integrity, impartiality, and preservation of historical records and cultural heritage. The ability of the department to govern itself independently from administrators fosters a culture of transparency, accountability, and adherence to professional standards, enabling archivists to make decisions based on the materials’ historical, educational, and research value and the university’s best interests. By implementing the recommended changes, the University Archives can effectively preserve and share institutional history, meet the community’s evolving needs, and contribute a deeper understanding and appreciation of the university’s past. These improvements will position the University Archives as a vital educational and cultural resource, fostering community engagement and promoting historical awareness for future generations.
Date: 9/1/2023

Archival Stewardship Workshop (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Archival Stewardship Workshop
Author: Laken Smith
Abstract: Archival Stewardship Workshop Stakeholders influence university archives, with their interests intertwined with holdings and the institution’s overarching mission. Donors and creators wield influence by guiding the selection of materials, setting access conditions, and specifying usage restrictions, all of which shape holdings. University administration and leadership play pivotal roles in establishing priorities, allocating budgets, and providing support, while researchers and faculty members, frequent users of the archives, impact decisions related to digitization priorities and access policies. Additionally, alums, donors, and the local community often contribute materials, financial backing, and collaborative initiatives, further emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement. Successful stewardship involves identifying and engaging these stakeholders, understanding their unique needs, and aligning efforts with Athens University’s broader mission. Define Objectives What is your goals for your stakeholders? Are you looking to activate them and have them advocate on your behalf, or are you monitoring them to inform your practices? Archival Stewardship Workshop 2 Identify Stakeholders What roles do your stakeholders hold at the university? Consider administrators, faculty, employees, students, alums, and the community. Archival Stewardship Workshop 3 Prioritize Stakeholders Map your stakeholders’ interest and influence to help you achieve your objectives. Archival Stewardship Workshop 4 Define Stakeholder Types High Power, Low Interest These stakeholders have substantial influence over the archives but may not be interested or engaged. While they may not be actively involved, keeping them informed and periodically engaging with them to maintain their support is important. • Could our work benefit from their influence? • How do we create and foster buy-in? High Power, High Interest These stakeholders have a significant impact on the archives, and they are also
Date Range: 9/1/2023

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