Archives Management: Context and Methods

 

Views of the FIT Library Special Collections and College Archives’ spaces Image courtesy, FIT-SUNY Library Special Collections and College Archives

Fall 2023 (Remote)
EXD 150: September 15–October 20
Time: Fridays, 3–5:15 pm ET
Tuition: $795
Online Platform: Google Meet

Register 

 

This course will provide instruction on the management of archival and manuscript collections. Such management functions include and are not limited to appraisal, arrangement, description including metadata, and reference services. Instruction will focus on current practices at international, national, and more local levels. Topics will include concepts of archives management, preservation and conservation, digital archives management, and matters of access and outreach. Students will learn the role of the archivist and the use of archives by a range of users plus the archivist’s legal and ethical responsibilities. The emphasis of the course will include methodology for developing collection acquisition/deaccession policies; storage and space planning; and custom technologies and database systems introduction. 

Technology Requirements: This course will rely completely on Google Meet for class sessions. Students must have Google Meet acumen, webcam technology, and internet access. Also required is an understanding of and a familiarity with the Google Suite of applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive).

Who Is This Class For?

An ideal participant is someone who:

  • is already required to perform archival functions in their employment environment and wants to solidify key concepts and practices, or
  • Needs or wants to prepare for such a position, or
  • Aspires to such knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to: 

  • Situate archives in the larger context of research and heritage resources.
  • Conceptualize core archival principles and develop functional practices.
  • Properly care for archival assets in their provision to various constituencies.
  • Manage or work with archives in an informed way.
  • Apply foundational archives knowledge to collections management.
  • Justify the importance of archives best practices, particularly in an employment setting.

Why FIT and The School of Graduate Studies?

  • This is the first and only course of its kind right now, offered because of our faculty’s expertise.
  • Advanced career development is a part of the DNA of FIT’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS). As such, SGS is uniquely prepared to offer courses such as this one that prepare students and professionals alike to embark on and/or enhance their ready-for-work knowledge and skills.
  • Archival science is truly an international discipline with influences from and on many points around the globe. Our faculty have a holistic and international point of view, perspective, and training to deliver full-context instruction vis-a-vis archival science.
  • The Special Collections and College Archives unit of FIT's Gladys Marcus Library has a rich array of primary and rare—indeed, often unique—resources that students can witness firsthand examples of theory put into practice. Off-campus access to such valuable resources is available via SPARC Digital.

Meet Your Instructor

Karen Trivette headshotProfessor Karen J. Trivette, MLS
Head of (Library) Special Collections and College Archives at FIT

Professor Karen J. Trivette, MLS, is the head of FIT's Special Collections and College Archives. At the college, she oversees the care and provision of over 6,000 linear feet of special collections and archives materials. She received her BA in art history from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill and her master of library science and archives management from the University at Albany/SUNY. She is currently pursuing her PhD in archival science from Alma Mater Europaea-European Center Maribor (expected 2024). She has 22 years of professional experience and has presented at many local, national, and international archives conferences. She has written and edited many publications on topics ranging from fashion forecasting history to archives facility renovation.

Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS)

FIT's CCPS offers credit and noncredit certificates and courses in fashion, business, design, technology, and marketing, to help you enter into or advance your career in the fashion and related industries. With short programs and flexible schedules, you can learn at a time and pace you can manage and afford.