Penn State University Libraries - Syllabus LSt 490 - Archival Management

HISTORY/LIBRARY STUDIES 490
ARCHIVAL MANAGEMENT

Spring 2010, Tues., Thurs. 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
1 Central Pattee (Classroom outside Maps Library)

Instructor: Jackie R. Esposito, Penn State University Archivist/Associate Librarian

Office: 122 Paterno Library
Hours: Monday, 9:00 a.m. to noon, and by appointment
Phone: (814) 863-3791
Email:  jxe2@psu.edu

“Archivists are the professionals responsible for the identification, selection, protection, organization, and description of archival records and papers, and, eventually, for their accessibility to any user. By ensuring that archival documents are identified, preserved, and made available in a systematic fashion, archivists help to secure society’s cultural heritage, protect legal rights and privileges, and contribute to the effective management of a wide range of institutions.” (SAA Guidelines for Graduate Programs in Archival Studies)

At the completion of this course a student should be able to:

• understand archival theories and applications including appraisal, acquisition and accessioning, arrangement and description, public reference services, legal and policy issues, and preservation
• understand current issues and challenges effecting the archives profession and its managers
• understand the importance of records in the information age and the role of records management as a tool and function of an archives program
• understand new information technologies and the impact electronic records management and digital preservation are having on the profession
• encourage students to begin thinking critically about strategies for managing the archival record in the 21st century

This course will prepare students for a practicum at an archival repository, historical society, or in the Special Collections Library at Penn State. This class serves as a prerequisite for HST/LST 495 (Internship) and HST/LST 496 (Independent Study). If you are interested in registering for either, see the instructor NO later than March 15, 2010.

Students are expected to attend all scheduled meetings of the class. Since the class emphasizes discussion and other active learning behaviors, attendance is especially vital. Excused absences must be approved at least 24 hours in advance. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the instructor with appropriate documentation. Final grades will be lowered for 2 or more unexcused absences and 5 or more unexcused absences will result in automatic failure of the course.

Students are expected to turn in two papers by the end of the class in which they are due. A paper handed in after class will be accepted, but the grade will be reduced five points for each day that it is late. Papers may be submitted by e-mail utilizing the same timing guidelines listed above. Students may also deliver their work to the Special Collections Library Reference Desk, 104 Paterno Library. Make sure there is a note attached directing it to me, and preferably put it in an envelope or folder.

Examinations and papers will be graded using a 100-point scale. The grades will be based on specific expectations for each assignment or examination, which will be presented at appropriate times during the semester. Student participation and interaction in class is particularly valued. The following percentages apply to the work in this course:

Grading Scale

95-100% = A
90-94% = A-
86-89% = B+
82-85 = B
78-81 = B-
74-77 = C+
69-73 = C
60-68 = D
59 and below = F

Penn State defines academic integrity as the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner. All students should act with personal integrity, respect other students’ dignity, rights and property, and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts (Faculty Senate Policy 49-20). Dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated in this course. Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing, fabricating information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of examination, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students. Students who are found to be dishonest will receive academic sanctions and will be reported to the University’s Judicial Affairs office for possible further disciplinary sanctions.

Download the course outline (Word document0.