Tau Beta Sigma Archives Preservation Project

FAIN: PG-51372-11

Tau Beta Sigma (Stillwater, OK 74076-0849)
Lisa Croston (Project Director: May 2010 to June 2012)

A preservation assessment and on-site training workshop to enhance the care of an archival collection documenting the history of Tau Beta Sigma, a national sorority for college and university bands. Founded in 1946, the sorority was influential in changing the role of women in college and university bands during World War II and in the larger world of professional music thereafter.

A consultant will visit and assess the collection in depth including building, environment, disaster planning, overall condition of collections, and evaluate procedures and policies as they pertain to preservation. The preservation site survey will be a report containing assessment results and recommendations for the collections. After the assessment, a training entitled "Preserving Your Historical Records: An Archival Holdings Maintenance Workshop" will be presented by the consultant. This workshop covers the basics of proper care and storage of archives and manuscript collections. The preservation site survey will increase knowledge and assist in needed archival improvements for Tau Beta Sigma. The assessment will not only be a resource for its members, but also a benefit documenting the changing roles of women in the music profession in the 1950s.