Towing History: Managing an Archival Move
From Communities of Practice (e)
Contents |
Introduction
An archival move is "much like preparing for a natural disaster. You cannot control the disaster, but what you can do is plan for the recovery" (King). Every archival move is different, with its own unique challenges, but the principles that govern moves are similar. Unfortunately, archival moves were not a topic of interest until the 1990s, leaving many archivists without direction as they planned their moves.
This Wiki provides guidance on conducting an archival move through planning and organizational tips, as well as additional resources that can be used. It also shares insights from several archivists who have experienced the challenges of moving an archival collection.
Everything You Need to Know to Conduct an Archival Move
We have to move? Really? Assessing the Situation
Moving is always a challenge, but moving an archival collection can be an ordeal for all involved.
First, define / determine / remember the mission of the archive - defining and reaffirming the mission of your archive will aid in decisions affecting everything from content to access. Having a stated goal that supersedes your move will keep the move in perspective and guide the decision-making process.
Before the Move
Three ideas crop up again and again in the literature available on managing an archival move. First, you cannot begin planning for an archival move too early in the process. Second, every move is a team effort, no matter whether you are moving upstairs, downstairs, across the street, or across the country. Third, archivists never want to close their archives to the public during a move. After you have assessed the reasons for your move, the next step is to plan the physical organization of the move. Although every archival move is unique and has its own variables, there are organizing steps that must be followed in all cases.
During the Move
The planning is finally over and moving day has arrived. Take a deep breath; the task is nearing a close and, if you prepared accordingly, the move itself should be a breeze. Don’t forget that the length of time that your move lasts will affect the way that these steps are carried out but that the basic principles apply to both long and quick moves.
After the Move
By the time you complete the move, you will be ready for a well-deserved break—but the work is not yet over. In many ways, the work done after the move can be just as important as the planning and relocating stages of the process.
Additional Resources
Bibliography
Getting Down to the Details
Read About Other Archivists' Experiences
Observations from the Front
Interview with Donna Webber, Simmons College Archivist
Conducted by Kelliann Bogan on July 10, 2006.
Add Your Experience
Have you recently conducted a move? Please add your own experience here so that others can learn from it.
