Taking Stock and Making Hay: Archival Collections Assessment, by Martha O’Hara Conway, University of Michigan, and Merrilee Proffitt, OCLC Research
“This report identifies projects and methodologies to make it easier for institutions of all types to undertake collections assessment and to encourage a community of practice. An accurate census of archival collections enables an institution to act strategically in meeting user needs, allocating available resources and securing additional funding. The systematic gathering of quantitative and qualitative data about collections (including processed, under-processed and unprocessed collections) makes possible the provision of basic and consistent collection-level descriptions; affords a better understanding of unmet preservation needs; and informs important decisions regarding collection management, processing priorities, selection, and other activities associated with digitization and exhibit preparation. Although a number of institutions have undertaken collections assessments, a single, commonly-understood approach does not exist. This report identifies projects and methodologies and suggests areas that need work. The goal of the report is to make it easier for institutions of all types to undertake collections assessments and to encourage a community of practice.”
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