What's Past is Prologue

suehwang:

Look what I found! A list of facts (that’s right, facts, because everything is true) explaining what makes archives and archivists special.

1. Archives have wonderful treasures – one of a kind, original documents that won’t be found anywhere else.
2. Archivists take care of Archives – and have been doing so for thousands of years.
3. The internet still mostly provides information from the past fifteen or twenty years, compared with hundreds or even thousands of years of knowledge found in an Archives.
4. Not all information can be found on the internet, and not all of the information on the internet is accurate.
5. Even with the internet, an Archives is the best place to do research.
6. Despite the advances in technology, humans can still find information better than a search engine does; archivists are pros.
7. Unlike with the internet, Archivists are vigilant about ensuring that that the information contained in their Archives is checked for authenticity before being included.
8. Archivists can also find information that is best suited to the person who needs it.
9. An Archives is better organized than the internet.
Archives definitely have better quality control than do the vast majority of websites.
10. Archivists know where “the good stuff” is – the original correspondence; the first map; the plan that shows what used to be located where your house is now.
11. Archives are repositories for some of the most valuable documents in the world.
12. Even though some Archives may be finding fewer “at the door” researchers, their online descriptions and websites receive many researchers.
13. The experience of viewing an actual document from the First World War is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
14. Archives provide one of the few places where people can find a quiet space to just read or study.
15. Archivists can provide a variety of resources that can be used in a classroom.
16. When teaching students how to access archival collections, Archivists are also providing them valuable problem-solving skills.
17. Archivists also introduce students to use a variety of resources to assist them in writing their own papers.
18. Archivists stress proper citations as well as ethical uses of information, in order to avoid plagiarism issues.
19. Experienced Archivists often know exactly what resources students need for particular courses.
20. Archivists measure collections in feet or meters.
21. It’s Arkīves but Arkĭvist – please pronounce them properly.
22. Archivaria is a major bonus and a great read!
23. An archival bone is not a rare medical disorder.
24. Archivists understand the difference between buffered and unbuffered.
25. Original order is not another term for single file.
26. The item is said to be the lowest level of a multi-level description but is there a sous-item tucked away someplace?
27. Archivists bring order into donation chaos – A & D are the magic answers!
28. Hot spots are not where restricted correspondence is filed.
29. Acid-free is the magic term used when selecting archival storage containers.
30. Archivists are a diverse lot – they have ranges, authority files and Skum-X – and if you know what these things are, you must be an Archivist.
31. Believe it or not, studies show that Archives are good for the local economy, since they make their community attractive to both visitors, local businesses, and individuals.
32. Archivists are not Anthropologists or Archeologists, but they somehow know how to locate interesting material.
33. Archivists do not reside in deep dark basements but they do use UV filters on lights and window panes.
34. Browsing isn’t allowed in an Archives but perusing finding aids is.
35. Provenance is not a province in France, but it is quite possible that one of an Archives’ fonds was created or used there.
36. White gloves aren’t just a fashion accessory; people are encouraged to wear them in an Archives.
37. Pencils are the writing tool of choice for taking notes from archival records.
38. Canadian Archives have a hero in Sir Arthur Doughty – the first Dominion of Canada Archivist.
39. Archivists know what a “fonds” is and can discuss it ad infinitum.
40. Archivists may struggle to be recognized but they know in their hearts that primary sources are ultimately important.
41. Archivists are RAD!
42. Ontario Archivists are so well versed in RAD that they use and promote ARCHEION.
43. Archivists make their collections accessible – they know a good thing when they see it and they’re willing to share.
44. Archivists make it last longer!
45. Archivists preserve history – Archives retain it.
46. Archives are part Museum and part Library – they have lots of old ‘stuff” and although the material comes in many media forms, the bulk of it is paper-based.
47. Archivists know that scotch tape and elastics are verboten; they prefer methyl cellulose, repair tissue and plastic clips.
48. You might as well use the Archives since you’re already paying for it through taxes.
49. Archives are surprisingly cheap to maintain but benefit everyone in the community.
50. Regardless of what type of Archives you enter, an Archivist will be willing to guide you to the information you need.
51. Mad scientists aren’t the only ones to get to wear masks, lab coats, and white gloves – Archivists do, too.
52. Obviously, being an Archivist isn’t always a glamorous profession.

via The Cobourg & District Historical Society Archives