The Society of American Archivists

November 1984 ISSN 0091-5971

National Archives Independence a Reality at Last

After a decade of intensive effort, the priority Thomas Eagleton (D-MO), and Representatives national legislative goal of the Society of American Jack Brooks (D-TX), Frank Horton (R-NY), Archivists has been achieved. On October 19, and Glenn English (D-OK). In the last months, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation creat­ Edwin Meese acted for the Reagan administration ing the independent National Archives and Rec­ in facilitating successful consideration of the ords Administration, effective April 1, 1985. b ill. Under the legislation, GSA is required to trans­ It was disclosed just days before the bill was fer 115 full-time positions to NARA, 30% of which signed that Archivist of the United States Robert must be vacant, to allow the new agency to per­ M. Warner will return to the University of Michi­ form administrative tasks previously handled gan in the spring of 1985 to serve as the Dean b y GSA. of the School of Library Science. Warner was appointed Archivist in 1980. Lawmakers indicated that hearings would be held in 1985 on strengthening the authority of the NARA legislation provides that the Archivist Archives to inspect records—an issue not satis­ is to be appointed by the President "by and fa c to rily addressed in th e 1984 act in the view with the advice and consent of the Senate." of many archivists. A term of office is not specified. Although the Archivist may be removed from office by the See the Congressional Record, O ctober 1, 1984, President, the conference report of the Congress pp. H 10586-94 for the Conference Report on indicates the legislators' intention that "he be the legislation. The January SAA Newsletter w ill an officer performing archival and records manage­ carry expanded coverage of the effort for NARS ment functions insulated from the political orien­ independence and details of implementation. tation of a particular administration. Because of the non-political nature of the Archivist's duties, the office ought not to change hands Warner to Leave NARS automatically with the election of the new Presi­ dent." If the President removes the Archivist, As th e N ew sletter went to press. Archivist of he must share his reasons for such action with the United States Robert M. Warner issued the C ongress. following statement:

In signing the bill. President Reagan released With the enactment of independence legislation a statement that read in part: "The principal the National Archives has been restored to indepen­ purpose of S.905 is to extend independence dent status. A key provision of this legislation to an agency that many believe has suffered is the appointment of the Archivist of the United as a result of its placement within the General States by the President. I have informed Mr. Meese Services Administration. I concur in this assess­ that I do not wish to be considered for this posi­ ment and my Administration has supported in­ tion as I am committed to return to the University dependence for the Archives. of Michigan. I have been asked, and I have agreed, to lead the transition to independent status. The The public papers and other materials that the University of Michigan has been .most accommodating Archives safeguards are precious and irreplace­ and has extended my leave in order to allow me able national treasures, and the agency that to accomplish this task. Therefore, I plan to leave looks after the historical records of the Federal office in April of 1985. This date also allows ample government should be accorded a status that time for a search for my successor. is commensurate with its important responsibilities." Achieving independence for the National Archives Major credit for the passage of legislation to accomplishes my chief goal here. It affords the create an independent National Archives and next Archivist an unparalleled opportunity to create Records Administration goes to Senators Mark a national cultural institution second to none in Hatfield (R-OR), Charles Mathias (R-MD), and the United States and a recognized leader among archives of the world. 1985 Program Committee Update Speak Out on Certification

The 1985 SAA Program Committee appreciates At its May 1984 meeting, SAA Council asked the the efforts of individuals who have submitted Committee on Education and Professional Develop­ proposals for sessions to be included in the meet­ ment to make a report by spring 1985 on individual ing to be held in Austin, Texas, October 28- certification of archivists. A working group of November 1, 1985. The Program Committee will this committee is now attempting to draft a plan be meeting in mid-January and Committee members based on these assumptions specified by Council: will be contacting individuals to finalize program plans during the weeks following that meeting. 1. The purpose of the program would be to estab­ lish standards for archivists and increase incentive Although the deadline for submission of proposals for individual archivists to maintain and improve for paper sessions, workshops, panel discussions, their professional competency. and roundtables has passed, the Committee con­ tinues to solicit proposals for poster sessions. 2. The program would require qualifications in This format is intended to provide an outlet for three major areas: education, experience, and "this-is-how-we-did-it" communications between written examination. individuals who have undertaken a particular project and others who are interested in learning 3. Persons with specified education and experience about it. The "poster" aspect, i.e., the visual would be "grandfathered"—i.e., certified without presentation on a piece of poster board, is in­ examination. tended as much to draw people in for discussion with the author as to communicate information 4. Periodic recertification would be required. on its own. Proposals for poster presentations need only summarize the project or activity that 5. The program would be post-employment. is to be presented. They should be postmarked by December 15 to be considered for inclusion Council also stated that the program should be in the printed program. The Program Committee self-sustaining financially, advised that it would anticipates being able to accommodate a limited take some years to develop, and offered assur­ number of additional poster presentations, using ances that "instant perfection is not required." a later deadline, to include "late-breaking" develop­ ments. More information on this will appear in The members of the working group on certifica­ subsequent Newsletters. tion are eager for the assistance of all members of the Society in carrying out their charge. Any­ Questions about the program should be directed one who would like to express views or submit to Committee chair David Klaassen (612) 373- documents should call or write Susan Grigg, IHRC 9420, 109 Walter Library, University of Minnesota, Collection, University of Minnesota, 826 Berry Minneapolis, MN 55455, or other members of the Street, St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 376-2749, Committee. A list of Committee members appeared (612) 373-5581, or (612) 871-3040 (home) or call in the September Newsletter. any other member of the working group: Maygene Daniels (202) 842-6175; Kenneth Duckett (503) 686-3068; Ruth Helmuth (216) 368-4289. Please try to respond by December 15. Archives Study Tours Planned

Plans are underway for two SAA-sponsored archives study tours abroad. The first will take place im­ mediately following the 1985 annual meeting in Austin, which is scheduled for October 28- Novem­ ber 1. This tour will visit archives in Mexico and will be coordinated by Virginia Newton of the Alaska State Archives, who is an expert on SAA Staff Mexican archives. The tour will last a week to ten d a ys. Ann Morgan Campbell Executive Director

The second tour will visit the People's Republic Terry Abraham Projects Editor of China in the spring of 1986 and will last ap­ Bernice Brack Membership Assistant proximately three weeks. William Moss, archivist Sylvia Burck Bookkeeper of the Smithsonian Institution and coordinator Suzanne Fulton Publications Assistant of the 1982 study tour to China, also will coordinate Antonia Pedroza Administrative Aide the 1986 to u r. Deborah Risteen Managing Editor Mary Lynn Ritzenthaier Program Officer Enrollment in each tour will be limited. Persons Charles Schultz Editor, The American interested securing a place on either tour should A rchivist contact Toni Pedroza at SAA headquarters as soon Linda Ziemer Program Assistant as possible.

SAA Newsletter November 1984 2 Nominating Committee Selects Candidates

SAA's 1985 Nominating Committee has selected the Valerie Browne, Loyola University following candidates for office: Lucious Edwards, Jr., Virginia State University Mary Janzen, Chicago Historical Society Vice President (becomes President Fall 1986) Harold Naugler, Public Archives of Canada Thomas Wilsted, Salvation Army Archives Edmund Berkeley, Jr., University of Virginia William Joyce, The New York Public Library Three new Council members and three Nominating Committee members will be elected from the groups Council (3-year terms) listed above. Candidates for Council and Nominat­ ing Committee will not be paired on the ballot. Edwin C. Bridges, Alabama State Archives Paul Chestnut, Library of Congress Additional nominees may be placed on the ballot Anne Kenney, University of Missouri-Sf. Louis by a petition signed by 50 members of the Society. Patrick Quinn, Northwestern University Anyone who plans to initiate a petition should Victoria Irons Walch, consulting archivist contact the S ociety's o ffice by F e b rua ry 1, 1985, J. Karyl Winn, University of Washington in order to assure all candidates of equivalent exposure on the printed ballot. Deadline for receipt Treasurer (3-year term) of petitions in the executive director's office is Anne Diffendal, Nebraska State Historical Society February 15, 1985. Ballots will be mailed March Gerald J. Munoff, Kentucky Department for 22; members who have not received them by April Libraries and Archives 17 should contact SAA. Nominating Committee mem­ bers for 1985 were Anne Van Camp, chair, Liisa Nominating Committee (1-year terms) Fagerlund, John Fleckner, William Joyce, and James O'Toole. Patricia Aronsson, National Archives

American Archivist Seeks Book Reviewers

Charles Schultz, editor of The American Archivist, has appointed Nicholas C. Burckel to a three-year term as the journal's book review editor. Burckel is seeking to develop a comprehensive and up-to-date file of potential book reviewers for the journal. To insure as complete a file as possible, experienced archivists and reviewers as well as less experienced professionals are asked to complete the form below and mail it by December 1 to Nicholas C. Burckel, The Joseph Regenstein Library, University of Chicago, 1100 E. 57th St., Chicago, IL 60637.

Please rank your top four choices (1=first choice, etc.):

Access/privacy Electronic data processing Outreach activities Administration of archives Finding aids Records management Archival theory Government records Reference Bibliographies History of archives Religious archives Buildings/equipment Library/archives relations "Repair/preservation Business archives Manuscript collections S e cu rity Cartographic records "Microforms "Sound recordings College/university archives Motion pictures Still pictures Documentary publications Oral history Theme collections (specify type)

Other (specify)

Special interest in particular areas:

____U.S. history, general U.S. history, ______period U.S. history,_____ geographic area

Reading knowledge of foreign languages: ______

Name______A ddress______

C ity ______State______Z ip

Office telephone ______

SAA Newsletter 3 November 1984 ■ OSHA Issues Ethylene Oxide Standard • Written compliance program. If exposures are above 1 ppm, a written compliance program must include plans for The Occupational Safety and Administration (OSHA) reducing exposures below 1 ppm, a schedule for leak detec­ published its final standard on Occupational Exposure to tion, and a written plan for emergency situations (such as Ethylene Oxide in the Federal Register on June 22,1984 (pp equipment failure, container rupture, failure of control equip­ 25, 734-25,809). This standard applies to museums and other ment, ) that are "likely to or does result in an unexpected institutions using ethylene oxide as a fumigant, as well as to significant release of ethylene oxide." anyone handling objects that have been fumigated with ethylene oxide (unless they can prove the object w ill not • Respiratory protection and personal protective equip­ release ethylene oxide in amounts above the action level of ment. Respirators may be used 1) while engineering and 'A part per million (ppm) in air.) work practice controls are being designed and implemented, High concentrations of ethylene oxide can cause central 2) in work operations such as maintenance and repair ac­ nervous system damage, skin, eye and respiratory irritation tivities where engineering controls are not feasible, 3) where including bronchitis and chemical pneumonia, and nerve engineering controls and work practices are not sufficient to damage (neuropathy). Lower concentrations can cause reduce exposure below 1 ppm, and 4) in emergencies. reproductive effects in both men and women, including At present only positive pressure supplied air respirators chromosomal damage and spontaneous abortions, and with full facepiece, hood or helmut are acceptable. A full leukemia and other cancers. facepiece respirator with ethylene oxide cannister will be The standard sets the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for allowed for exposures under 50 ppm when such a respirator ethylene oxide at 1 ppm in air as an 8-hour time-weighted is approved. The employer must pay for the respirator, and average. It also established an action level of Vi ppm; if this there must be a written respirator program. level is exceeded, most of the standard's provisions become Where there is a risk of skin or eye contact with liquid effective. ethylene oxide, appropriate protective clothing or other The following is a summary of the standard's main provisions: , equipment must be provided. • Exposure monitoring. 8-hour time-weighted average • Medical surveillance. A medical surveillance program breathing zone air samples must be taken that are represen­ must be provided for all employees who may be exposed at or above ppm for at least 30 days per year, or who have tative of each employee exposed to ethylene oxide. Initial Vi monitoring is required to determine whether an employee's been exposed to ethylene oxide in emergency situations. This exposures are above the action level of Vi ppm. The frequen­ must include a medical and work history, physical exam, cy of subsequent monitoring will depend on the actual ex­ complete blood count and laboratory tests specified by the physician. posure level measured. If the ethylene oxide levels are below 'h ppm, further monitoring is not required unless there is a • Communications of ethylene oxide hazards to change in process of procedures which might result in new employees. Signs must be placed at entrances to regulated or additional exposure. Employees must be informed in areas, and ethylene oxide containers must have a warning writing of the results of monitoring within 15 days of receive- label. In addition all employees who may be exposed above ing the analyses. the action level of Vi pp, shall be provided with information Note that the standard would require new monitoring for and training on ethylene oxide when initially assigned to the each different type of material being fumigated to determine area and annually thereafter. whether ethylene oxide is being emitted above the action This information should include the appendices on level of Vi ppm. ethylene oxide found at the end of the standard, including a • Regulated areas. Areas in which exposure to ethylene ox­ safety date sheet, technical guidelines, medical surveillance ide exceeds 1 ppm are designated regulated areas and access guidelines, and sampling and analytical methods. to these areas must be limited to authorized personnel. The • Recordkeeping. Records of monitoring, must be kept for at intent is to minimize the number of people exposed to least 30 years, and medical surveillance for duration of ethylene oxide. All entrances to regulated areas must have employment plus 30 years. Records must also be kept of ob­ the following sign: jective data supporting an exemption from the standard on DANGER the basis that a fumigated object w ill not give off ethylene ox­ ETHYLENE OXIDE ide in amounts greater than Vi ppm. CANCER HAZARD AND REPRODUCTIVE HAZARD Compliance dates. The ethylene oxide standard becomes ef­ AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY fective on August 21,1984. All provisions of the standard ex­ RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING MAY BE REQUIRED cept the engineering controls must be complied with by TO BE WORN IN THIS AREA February 17, 1985, and the engineering controls provision • Methods of compliance. The primary method of control must be complied with by August 20, 1985. shall be engineering controls and work practices (not in­ cluding employee rotation). Respiratory protection shall be used only when other controls are not feasible or not suffi­ cient to reduce exposure levels below 1 ppm.

Reprinted by permission of A rt Hazard News. The Center for Occupational Hazards will sponsor a one-day conference on November 30, 1984, at the Metropolitan Museum of A rt in New York on how to comply with the OSHA ethylene oxide standard. Conference speakers will include representatives from OSHA as well as experts in occupational medicine, respiratory protection, and ventilation. The registration fee is $125. To register, contact the Center for Occupational Hazards, 5 Beekman Street, New York, NY 10038, (212)227-6220.

SAA Newsletter November 1984 4 1984-85 Leadership List

O ffice rs Eva Moseley Schlesinger Library Andrea Hinding, President Radcliffe College 107 Walter Library C am bridge, MA 02138 University of Minnesota (617) 495-8647 M inneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 376-2931 Trudy Huskamp Peterson (National Archives) 810 M assachusetts A v e ., NE Shonnie Finnegan, Vice President W ashington, DC 20002 University Archives (202) 523-3120 420 Capen Hall SUNY at Buffalo Sections A m herst, NY 14260 (716) 636-2916 Acquisitions Patricia Meador Paul H. McCarthy, Jr., Treasurer 7026 Klug Pines Rd. Box 80687, Univ. of Alaska S h re ve p o rt, LA 71129 College Station (318) 797-5226 F airbanks, AK 99708 (907) 474-7261 Aural & Graphic Records Gerald J. Munoff Council Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives PO Box 537 Francis X. Blouin, Jr. F ra n k fo rt, KY 40602 Bentley Library (502) 875-7000 University of Michigan 1150 Beal Ave. Business Archives Ann A rb o r, Ml 48109 Edward M. Rider (313) 764-3482 Procter & Gamble Co. Box 599 John A. Fleckner Cincinnati, OH 45201 National Museum of American History Archives (513) 562-5443 Smithsonian Institution W ashington, DC 20560 Conservation (202) 357-3270 Michael McColgin Arizona State Archives Larry J. Hackman 1700 W. Washington New York State Archives Phoenix, AZ 85007 Cultural Education Center (602) 255-4159 A lb a n y, NY 12230 (518) 474-1195 College and University Archives Charles B. Elston Edie Hedlin Marquette Memorial Library National Archives—NZ 1415 W. Wisconsin A ve. W ashington, DC 20408 M ilwaukee, Wl 53233 (202) 523-3270 (414) 224-7256

Linda Henry (National Archives) Description 1816 New Ham pshire NW #709 Kathleen D. Roe W ashington, DC 20009 Fairview Ave. (202) 724-1621 T ro y , NY 12180 (518) 474-8319 Sue E. Holbert Minnesota Historical Society Government Records 1500 M ississippi S t. Marilyn Ryall S t. Paul, MN 55101 936 Loring S t. #1D (612) 296-6980 San Diego, CA 92102 (714) 236-6227 William L. Joyce Rare Books & Manuscripts—Rm. 324 The New York Public Library Fifth Ave. and 42nd St. New Y o rk , NY 10018 (212) 930-0801

SAA Newsletter 5 November 1984 Manuscript Repositories International Archival Affairs Anne Diffendal Maygene Daniels 3131 S. 41st St. 816 M assachusetts A v e ., NE Lincoln, NE 68506 W ashington, DC 20002 (402) 471-4774 (202) 842-6175

Oral History 1985 Local Arrangements Marjorie Fletcher David B. Gracy II A rch ive s Texas State Archives The American College C apitol S tation, Box 12927 270 B ryn Mawr A ve . Austin, TX 78711 B ryn M awr, PA 19010 (512) 475-2445 (215) 896-4498 1985 Program Committee Reference, Access, Outreach David J. Klaassen Edward C. Oetting Social Welfare History Archives Hayden Library Univ. of Minnesota Libraries Arizona State University M inneapolis, MN 55455 Tempe, AZ 85287 (612) 373-4420 (602) 965-3145 1986 Program Committee Religious Archives H. Thomas Hickerson H. Douglas Wright Cornell University 922 S. 73rd St., Apt. D 101 Olin Library West A llis , Wl 53214 Ithaca, NY 14853 (414) 476-3414 (607) 256-2342

Theme Collections 1985 Nominating Committee W342 Pattee Library Anne Van Camp Pennsylvania State University Chase Manhattan Archives, 23rd Floor University Park, PA 16802 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza (814) 865-1793 New Y o rk , NY 10015 (212) 552-6658 Standing Committees Professional Standards Archival Information Exchange J. Frank Cook Lydia Lucas B134 Memorial Library Minnesota Historical Society University of Wisconsin 1500 M ississippi S t. Madison, Wl 53706 S t. Paul, MN 55101 (608) 262-8899 (612) 296-6980 Regional Archival Activities A u d itin g James E. Fogerty Richard Marcus Minnesota Historical Society Spertus College of Judaica 1500 M ississippi S t. 618 S. M ichigan A ve . S t. Paul, MN 55101 C hicago, IL 60605 (612) 296-6980 (312) 922-9012 Status of Women A wards Kathleen Marquis C harles C. Palm 155 Hillside Rd. #1 2185 W averly W atertown, MA 02172 Palo Alto, CA 94301 (617) 253-5690 (415) 497-3563 Editorial Board Education and Professional Development James B. Rhoads Kenneth W. D ucke tt Western Washington University University of Oregon History Department Library-Special Collections Bellingham , WA 98225 Eugene, OR 97403 (206) 676-3465 (503) 686-3069

SAA Newsletter November 1984 6 SAÂ Basic Archivai Conservation Program

Archival collections often contain a wide variety for the archivist to be able to identify the of photographic materials. Not only will there types of photographs in the collection in order likely be a diversity of photographic processes to impose the correct storage and handling re­ represented, but format, physical condition, and quirements. 1 chemical stability will vary as well. All of these factors must be evaluated when making de­ cisions regarding storage enclosures. In addi­ Ideally, all photographic prints and negatives tion, archivists must consider access require­ should be housed individually in their own ments and relative costs when choosing among enclosures, one item per enclosure. Prints and storage options. Exacerbating the whole decision­ negatives should be filed separately and a making process is the fact that there has been numerical system imposed to maintain relation­ relatively little research done on the storage ships between them. The practice of slipping an requirements of specific photographic processes, original or copy negative into the same enclosure and recommendations in this area are thus in as its print should be avoided. Once placed in transition. This leaflet will outline the ele­ individual enclosures, units or groups of photo­ ments that must be considered when choosing graphs should be kept together in acid-free fold­ storage materials. ers. The folders provide additional support for the photographs within boxes and filing drawers, and also help to create manageable units of The first step in determining which storage sys­ photographs that are easily made available for tem (or systems) to adopt is to gain a thorough research purposes. If financial limitations pre­ understanding of the photographic collection, clude individual enclosures for every photograph considering such factors as types of photographic in the repository, it is possible to use inter­ processes, formats, condition, and size of col­ leaving sheets of neutral pH paper to provide lection. It is likely that several different some protection for photographs that are housed types of storage enclosures and systems will be together within folders. required to meet the specific needs of the col­ lection. The value and uniqueness of the photo­ graphs must also be considered when choosing Environmental conditions within the repository storage materials, as well as the type of use also should be taken into account when selecting they receive and access requirements. For storage enclosures' for photographic materials. example, if researchers are required to use For example, if the relative humidity is allowed copies rather than original prints, the storage to reach high levels, there is increased likeli­ devised for each generation can be quite differ­ hood of moisture build-up and resultant ferro- ent. Ideally, researchers should not have access typing (i.e., glazing, or the appearance of shiny to original prints for casual browsing. If, how­ patches on the emulsion surface) if photographs ever, resources are not available to provide are stored in plastic enclosures I Also, if there copy prints, the storage enclosure selected will is a great deal of airborne dust and dirt within need to provide maximum protection for the orig­ the repository, plastic enclosures (notably poly­ inal photographs while they are in use. It also ester) should be avoided because of the static may be necessary to establish priorities for charge, which will attract particulate matter. correcting or improving storage conditions for Light is another environmental factor that must photographic holdings, perhaps re-housing groups be evaluated. Paper enclosures, which are of photographs in a phased fashion as time and opaque, will provide protection from ultraviolet resources permit. In such instances, photographs radiation, while clear plastic enclosures will that are heavily used, in poor condition, or that n o t . have great value should be given priority for proper storage. Information on the numbers of photographs in the collection will aid in esti­ mating costs for storage enclosures as well as Paper Enclosures the staff time required for completing a re-hous­ Paper enclosures have the following characteris­ ing project. Since there are a growing number of tics and attributes that should be considered recommendations for the storage requirements of when choosing a storage medium for photographs. specific photographic processes, it is important — Paper is opaque, which means that photo­ but photographs should be inserted into the enve­ graphs will be protected from light, but lopes with the emulsion side away from the seams. also that they must be removed from their The adhesive employed in the construction of the enclosures to be viewed. This can increase envelope should be nonreactive with silver and the amount of handling the photographs re­ nonacidic. Envelopes with thumb cuts are not ceive, as well as the possibility of abra­ recommended as they increase the likelihood of sion as they are removed from their enclo­ the emulsion being touched as a photograph is sures, and fingerprinting. removed from its enclosure. Envelopes with top flaps are desirable because they prevent dust and — Paper readily accepts written notations. dirt from entering the enclosure and possibly abrading the emulsion surface. — Paper is a porous material, which means that the photographs will not be housed in an airtight environment and, equally impor­ Plastic Enclosures tant, that decomposition gasses and excess moisture can be dispersed rather than Several inert plastics are recommended for the building up within the enclosure and has­ storage of photographic materials. The plastics, tening the deterioration of the photograph. that are acceptable are: polyester (Mylar®, DuPont; Melinex®, I.C.I. America; and Scotchpar®, — Paper enclosures are usually less expensive 3 M ) , polyethylene, polypropylene, and aellulose than plastic materials. trtaoetate . Since these plastics are manufac­ tured in a number of formulations (many of which Paper enclosures for the safe storage of photo­ are industrial grade and not acceptable for ar­ graphic materials should contain no lignin, no chival purposes), it is important when ordering groundwood, nor alum-rosin sizing. Research and plastic enclosures to specify that they contain discussion is currently underway in the field of neither plasticizers, surface coatings, nor UV photographic conservation regarding the advisabil­ absorbers or inhibitors. Inert plastic enclosures ity of using paper that has been buffered to have have the following advantages and disadvantages: an alkaline reserve (pH of 8.5-10.2) versus neu­ tral pH paper (pH of 7.0) with no buffering agents. — Plastic enclosures are transparent and allow Non-buffered paper stock that has a high alpha- immediate visual access to the image. Dan­ cellulose content and none of the impurities gers of abrasion, fingerprinting, and exces­ mentioned above is currently recommended for the sive handling are thereby greatly reduced. storage of albumen prints.^ While it seems likely that this recommendation may be extended to other — Plastic enclosures can be relative airtight, photographic materials, some confusion and con­ trapping both moisture and decomposition flicting information exists. For this reason, gasses within the unit. Deteriorating it is important that archivists read the photo­ photographs, such as cellulose nitrate graphic conservation literature to keep abreast negatives, should therefore be stored in of current thinking in this area. While no one paper enclosures to avoid build-up of is recommending that repositories discard the harmful gasses. alkaline buffered enclosures they may already have, it seems wise when purchasing new supplies — Photographs stored in smooth plastic en­ to acquire neutral pH paper or that with a low closures can exhibit ferrotyping under con­ alkaline reserve. ditions of high humidity.

— The static electricity that polyester gen­ A potential drawback with paper enclosures is erates attracts dirt and dust, and also that they are opaque and require that photographs can exacerbate problems with broken or be removed for viewing. Depending upon the con­ lifting emulsions. struction of the enclosure, this can result in abrasion of the emulsion as a photograph is — Plastic can be relatively difficult to slipped in and out of a paper envelope or sleeve. write upon, and is usually more expensive Seamless paper enclosures that are constructed than paper. with three- or four-flaps to contain the photo­ graph have no adhesives and also avoid problems of abrasion. Flapped enclosures are highly Some plastic enclosures have a matte surface to recommended for fragile photographs (such as discourage ferrotyping, but as this can be too unmounted thin paper prints, or those that are abrasive, it is recommended that photographs be torn) as well as for photographs that exhibit inserted emulsion side away from the matte finish. broken or flaking emulsions that would be further Some plastics do not provide rigid support and damaged by abrasive action. may require the insertion of a piece of 2-ply museum board or bristol board (neutral pH) within Paper envelopes with center adhesive seams should the enclosure to inhibit the photograph from be avoided. Side and bottom seams are acceptable, flexing and possibly cracking or breaking the emulsion during handling. Given the unresolved cards. It would be equally inappropriate to file questions regarding the use of buffered or neutral cased photographs with paper prints. One goal of pH paper, inert plastic enclosures may be the best the storage environment is to provide overall, choice at this time for photographs that are phys­ stable support to protect photographs from warp­ ically and chemically stable. ing, cockling, curling, or having corners or mounts broken or cracked.

Harmful Materials The interior dimensions of the enclosures should A number of materials should be expressly avoided be sufficient to allow easy insertion and removal for the storage of photographic collections. These of the photographs, and to avoid pressure or include any materials of unknown origin or composi­ tension during storage. Many mounted prints have tion. If, for example, the repository has a sup­ a definite curvature or bow (such as some card ply of plastic enclosures for which specific prod­ stereographs), and the enclosure must allow uct information, source, or other documentation enough ease to respect this shape rather than does not exist, they should be discarded. While force it to conform to a flat plane. Condition it is relatively easy to undertake simple in-house of the photograph must also be evaluated. As testing of paper to determine the presence of mentioned, photographs with damaged emulsions acidity, groundwood, and alum, identification of should be stored in paper rather than plastic plastic materials is much more problematic. It is enclosures. Prints mounted on brittle supports far wiser to discard unknown or suspect supplies or boards often require the addition of a piece than to endanger valuable photographic records. of thin neutral pH board within the enclosure to provide rigid, non-flexible support. The follow­ ing section describes the needs of a number of Enclosures made of polyvinylchloride (PVC) are photographic processes and formats.3 not acceptable for archival storage. Unfortunately, such enclosures are widely available through photographic supply stores and via mail order Cased Photographs - Daguerreotypes, ambro- houses. Polyvinylchloride is not stable and emits types, and some tintypes are often housed plasticizer and decomposition by-products that are in hinged decorative cases that have arti- harmful to photographic materials. Kraft paper factual value and that therefore must be enclosures (commonly used by photographers) are protected. The cases may be wrapped in acidic and thus not acceptable for archival stor­ neutral pH tissue paper, which is lightly age. Glassine envelopes, often used by photogra­ held in place with unbleached cotton or phers for negative storage, are generally acidic linen tape. The wrapped cases may then be and are also hygroscopic, which means that the placed in small paper envelopes and/or glassine attracts and emits moisture. Under humid microfilm boxes. conditions, the glassine can stick to emulsion surfaces. Although acid-free glassine is available Salt Prints - A non-abrasive storage en­ from archival and conservation suppliers, it is cer­ vironment is mandatory since the photo­ tain that few— if any— photographers use the acid- graphic emulsion rests on the surface of free variety; retrospective collections most cer­ the paper fibers. Flapped paper enclosures tainly contain acidic glassine. No matter the are recommended that can provide non-abra­ quality of the glassine, however, the hygroscopic sive access. nature of the material is its greatest drawback. All photographs received in harmful enclosures Albumen Prints - Store in inert plastic should be transferred to safe storage materials enclosures or high alpha-cellulose content after all pertinent data (dates, photographer, neutral pH paper. Unmounted albumen prints job numbers, etc.) are recorded from the original are generally on very thin paper that has sleeves and envelopes. a tendency to curl; they require the addi­ tional support of a thin neutral pH board within their enclosures. Storage Requirements of Specific Photographic Materials Glass Plate Negatives - Strong paper enve­ lopes are recommended. Glass plates should In addition to considering the material composition be stored upright on their long edge, never of storage enclosures, attention also must be paid stacked. Cracked or broken plates should to the format and composition of the photographs be sandwiched between two pieces of glass themselves. Safe housing must be devised to sup­ or museum board and stored flat. port and respect the photographs as physical objects. To the degree possible, it is important to store Film Negatives - Plastic or paper enclosures like materials and formats together. For example, are recommended. Since negatives— under glass plate and plastic film negatives should not ideal conditions— should not constitute be interfiled, nor should 8" x 10" silver gelatin browsing files for research purposes, paper prints be stored with cartes de visite or cabinet sleeves or envelopes are often used because they provide rigid support and protection Light Impressions Corp. from light. If negatives must be handled 439 Monroe Avenue by researchers, however, clear plastic P.0. Box 940 enclosures will provide the greatest Rochester, NY 14603 protection, allowing direct viewing with­ (800) 828-6216 out the need for removal and the possibil­ ity of fingerprinting. Photofile 2000 Lewis Avenue CeVliilose Nitrate Negatives - Paper enclo­ P.0. Box 123 sures are recommended, as well as separate Zion, IL 60099 storage away from other photographic and (312) 872-7557 textual records. Pohlig Bros., Inc. Silver Gelatin Prints - Rigid support is P.0. Box 8069 required given the laminate structure of Richmond, VA 23223 the prints. Paper or plastic are satis­ (404) 644-7824 factory; thin boards may be used to pro­ vide extra support. Printfile, Inc. Box 100 Color Photographs - Neutral pH paper or Schenectady, NY 12304 inert plastic enclosures are recommended. Alkaline buffered paper is thought to be TALAS harmful to color dyes. Technical Library Service, Inc. 213 West 35th Street 2 " x 2" S l i d e s - Inert plastic sheets with New York, NY 10001-1996 an individual slot for each slide provide (212) 736-7744 support and easy access. Depending upon the format of the slide holder, a dust cover University Products, Inc. should be incorporated into the storage unit; P.0. Box 101 this will also discourage fingerprints; South Canal Street Holyoke, MA 01041 (413) 532-9431 Supplies

Storage enclosures for photographic materials Notes should be purchased directly from archival and 1. For guidance in identifying photographic pro­ conservation suppliers. Generic names and pre­ cise product specifications should be included on cesses, see: Arthur T. Gill , Photographic Pro­ all order forms, and no substitutions should be cesses: A Glossary and A Chart for Recognition ., tolerated. Product data sheets should be requested Museums Association Sheet No. 21, London: Muse­ from the manufacturer or supplier if questions ums Association, 1978; and Gerald J. Munoff, arise regarding materials; independent testing may "History of Photographic Processes," in A d m i n i s ­ be warranted in some instances. The following is tration of Photographic Collections , Basic Manual a partial list of suppliers who carry a variety of Series, Chicago: Society of American Archivists, enclosure materials for the storage of photographic 1984. records. 2. James M. Reilly, "Albumen Prints: A Summary of New Research," Picturescope 30 (Spring 1982): Conservation Resources International, Inc. 34-37. 1111 North Royal Street Alexandria, VA 22314 3. For more detailed information on these issues, (703) 549-6610 see: Administration of Photographic Collections , Basic Manual Series, Chicago: Society of Ameri­ Franklin Distributors Corporation can Archivists, 1984. P.0. Box 320 Denville, NJ 07834

Gaylord Bros., Inc. Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler November 1984 Box 4901 Syracuse, NY 13221 (800) 448-6160

Hollinger Corporation P.0. Box 6185 3810 South Four Mile Run Drive The Basic Archival Conservation Program is funded Arlington, VA 22206 in part by the National Endowment for the Humani­ (703) 671-6600 ties. Task Forces Representatives

Automated Records & Techniques Advisory Committee on the Management, Preser­ Carolyn Ceda vation and Use of Local Government ICPSR William S. Price, Jr. Box 1248 3008 Mayview Rd. Ann A rb o r, Ml 48106 R aleigh, NC 27607 (313) 764-2571 (919) 733-7305

Harold Naugler Anglo-American Catalog Revisions Public Archives of Canada John Lancaster 395 Wellington St. Box 199 Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N3 W illiam sburg, MA 01096 (613) 593-4096 (413) 542-2299

C o p y rig h t Association of Research Libraries Linda M. Matthews C. Herbert Finch Woodruff Library-Special Collections Cornell University Emory University 106 Olin Library Atlanta, CA 30322 Ithaca, NY 14853 (404) 329-6887 (607) 256-5281

Institutional Evaluation Council of National Library & Information Mary Jo Pugh Associations, Inc. Bentley Library Ann Morgan Campbell University of Michigan Society of American Archivists 1150 Beal Ave. 600 S. Federal, Suite 504 Ann A rb o r, Ml 48109 Chicago, IL 60605 (313) 764-3482 (312) 922-0140

M in orities Adele Lerner Thomas Battle New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center Moorland-Spingarn Research Center 1300 Y o rk A ve . Howard University New York, NY 10021 W ashington, DC 20059 (212) 472-5759 (202) 636-7480 Gregory S. Hunter Museum Archives ITT Micrograph-Records Reg. Alan Bain 320 Park Ave. Smithsonian Institution Archives New York, NY 10022 W ashington, DC 20560 (212) 752-6000 (202) 357-1420 Joint AHA/OAH/SAA Committee of Historians and Carole Schwartz A rc h iv is ts Cincinnati A rt Museum Ann Morgan Campbell Eden Park Society of American Archivists C in cin n a ti, OH 45202 600 S. Federal, Suite 504 (513) 721-5204 Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 922-1040 Coals & Priorities F. Gerald Ham Nicholas Burckel State Historical Society of Wisconsin Joseph Regenstein Library 815 State Street University of Chicago Madison, Wl 53706 1100 E. 57th S t. (608) 262-3266 Chicago, IL 60637 (312) 962-8699 Archives & Society David B. Cracy II Edwin C. Bridges Texas State Archives Alabama Dept, of Archives £ History C apitol S tation Box 12927 624 W ashington A ve. Austin, TX 78711 M ontgom ery, AL 36130 (512) 475-2445 (205) 832-6510

SAA Newsletter 7 November 1984 Joint ALA/S A A Committee on Archives and Library Native American Archives Project Relationships Ann Morgan Campbell Ronald J. Chepesiuk Society of American Archivists 822 McArthur St. 600 S. Federal, Suite 504 Rock H ill, SC 29730 Chicago, IL 60605 (803) 323-2137 Society of American Archivists Staff Adele A. Lerner New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center The following people work in SAA's headquarters Medical Archives office, 600 S. Federal, Suite 504, Chicago, IL 1300 Y/ork Ave. 60605, (312) 922-0140: New York, NY 10021 (212) 472-5759 Ann Morgan Campbell, Executive Director Bernice E. Brack, Membership Assistant Eleanor McKay Sylvia Burck, Program Assistant 419 F e rry P oint R d. Suzanne Fulton, Publications Assistant A nna p olis, MD 21403 Toni Pedroza, Administrative Aide (202) 287-7954 Deborah Risteen, Managing Editor Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler, Program Officer Robert Sink Linda Ziemer, Program Assistant 37i St. Mark's Place New Y o rk , NY 10003 Also on the SAA staff are: (212) 930-0868 Projects Editor J. Karyl Winn Terry Abraham Library FM-25 Box 3213 University of Washington Moscow, ID 83843 S eattle, WA 98195 (208) 885-7951 (206) 543-1879 American Archivist Editor Joint SAA /AAM/AASLH Committee on Minorities Charles Schultz Elsie Thorpe Freeman University Archives National Archives—G-11 Texas A&M University W ashington, DC 20408 College S tatio n, TX 77840 (202) 523-3298 (409) 845-1815

Diana Lachatanere 34 S. Oxford St. NEH Awards Grants to Archives Projects B ro o k ly n , NY 11217 (212) 283-4915 In August, the National Endowment for the Human­ ities made five grants of interest to archivists: National Archives Advisory Committee on Preservation Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler Los Angeles. Library Association: $87,096 to sup­ Society of American Archivists port cataloguing and conservation of images from 600 S. Federal, Suite 504 a collection of nitrate and glass plate negatives. Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 922-0140 Columbia University, New York: a $450,000 match - ing grant to support cataloguing and preservation National Conservation Advisory Council of the Avery Library's architectural drawings Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler and development of a database/videodisc inter­ Society of American Archivists face. 600 S. Federal, Suite 504 New York Association for the Blind, New York: C hicago, IL 60605 $725 for support the employment of an archival (312) 922-0140 consultant. National Historical Publications and Records Commission Research Libraries Group, Inc., Stanford, CA: Edward Papenfuse (effective 2/85) a $162,666 matching grant to support entry on 206 Oakdalle Rd. the RLIN data base of records describing manu­ script and archival collections at 12 research Baltim ore, MD 21210 (301) 269-3915 institutions. Helen W. Samuels University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN: $10,000 Massachusetts Institute of Technology to support a conference to discuss the problems 14N-118 in developing criteria for selection and preserva­ C am bridge, MA 02139 tion of historical materials generated through (617) 253-5688 modern information processing technology.

SAA Newsletter November 1984 8 Archivists' Calendar The Northeast Document Conservation Center will present a three- day workshop on conservation and management of photograph collections, December 3-5, at the Metropolitan Museum of A rt in New York. For further information, contact NEDCC at 24 School S t., A ndover, MA 01810, (617) 470-1010.

PAIGE Conservation Management for Libraries and Archives will be offered during the spring of 1985 at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Simmons College. Classes begin January 23. For further information, contact Director of Admissions, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Simmons College, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115, (617) 738-2264.

The Walter P. Reuther Library of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University announces the Rockefeller Foundation Residency Program in the Humanities for the 1985-86 academic year. Two FILES full-time residents will be selected. The fellowships are open to junior and senior academic scholars and also to other qualified work everywhere writers and scholars. They are designed to encourage and facili­ tate the publication of scholarly humanistic studies based upon the archival sources at the Reuther Library. Deadline for applica­ tions is December 1, 1984. Contact Philip P. Mason, Director, Walter P. Reuther Library of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University, 5401 Cass Ave., Detroit, Ml 48202 (313) 577-4003.

Records Control, Inc. is sponsoring a full day seminar on records management December 5, 1984, at the Midland Hotel in Chicago. For further information, contact them at 1215 National Ave., Addison, IL 60101, (312) 543-8040. The Classifieds All ads in the "Classified" section must involve archives-related Items or services. SAA reserves the right to refuse inappropriate ads. The minimum charge for a classified ad is $5.00 for 25 words or less. Beyond 25 words, the charge Is 20

ARCHIVAL CONSULTANTS—Offering a consultancy service to archives or organizations planning to start an archives. Special­ izing in religious archives, one-person archives, organizing ar­ chival and library materials, records management, photographs, basic conservation, and exhibitions. Both consultants have ex­ perience in starting archives. For information, contact:

Douglas Wright Duane Hand 922 S. 73rd St., Apt. D 7864 N. 55th St. West A llis , Wl 53214 Milwaukee, Wl 53223 (414) 476-3414 (414) 355-5324 Selected by successful companies and institu­ tions for over 20 years. Wanted They say: “Economy is definitely a factor” The editors of Correspondence in The Writings of Henry T>. Thoreau would appreciate hearing from owners of letters to or from Thoreau who have not already been approached by this Paige Files are unique. editorial project or by Professor Walter Harding. They would also The only storage/transfer file boxes protected welcome information about the location of other Thoreau manu­ scripts, particularly those tipped into the first volume of the by existing patents! AVAILABLE ACID FREE. 800 sets of the Manuscript and Deluxe Walden Editions of 1906 Only Paige Files are manufactured and shipped (The Writings of Henry David Thoreau, ed. Bradford Torrey and Francis H. Allen [Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1906]). direct from 6 factories: Los Angeles, Chicago, Contact Elizabeth Witherell, Editor-in-Chief, The Writings of Dallas, Kansas City, New York and Newark. Henry D. Thoreau, Department of English, University of Calif­ orn ia , Santa Barbara, CA 93106. Paige Files are made of ICC-tested 200# corru­ gated fiberboard for last-forever strength. Information on the whereabouts of records pertaining to the Oglala Sioux tribe and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of South Write or call for Case Histories, brochures and Dakota is sought by Mark J. Thiel, archivist, Oglala Lakota Col­ prices. Tel: (212) 679-6626 lege, PO Box 490, Kyle, SD 57752, (605) 455-2321.

The American Historical Association received a grant for the NHPRC to publish a selective edition of papers of J. Franklin Jameson (1859-1937). The project editors, Jacqueline Coggin and Morey Rothberg, would appreciate information concerning Jame­ son or materials relating to his life, especially correspondence, writings, speeches, reminiscences, photographs, and other memo­ rabilia. Contact them at the John Franklin Jameson Papers Project, M anuscript D ivision, L ib ra ry o f Congress, Washington, DC 20540. The Paige Company 275 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 SAA Newsletter 9 November 198# “Ttaniitionl. . . Professional Opportunities

J.D. PORTER, former state archivist of LIBRARIAN/ARCHIVIST, Southern Ore­ DIRECTOR, Troup.County Archives. To Oregon, died in September at the age gon Historical Society. Administration serve as adm inistrator fo r local govern­ of 66. . .ANITA PREWETT, formerly of a large county historical society li­ ment archives and records management archivist at the .University of North Ala­ brary covering local history, historic program, and local history manuscript bama, has been named special collections preservation, museum management and and reference collection. Responsible librarian at the Albin 0. Kuhn Library, all official county records. Duties in­ for fiscal planning, collection develop­ University of Maryland Baltimore County clude the supervision of and participa­ ment, and community service. Qualifica­ . . .There have been several staff tion in cataloging, acquisitions, and work tions: Master's degree in American his­ changes at the National Archives recently. of staff and volunteers. Training and tory, five years of supervisory and ad­ JAMES MOORE w ill head a new office experience desired in manuscript and ar­ ministrative experience in an archives or created to handle questions of appraisal chival materials, photographs, oral his­ records management program, knowledge documentation standards and records tory recordings, maps, ephemera, etc. of records management theory and prac­ administration. FRANK B. EVANS will Qualifications: M.L.S. and training in tice, and demonstrated ability in the be his deputy. LINDA BROWN has been archival theory required. Salary range: areas of financial and grants administra­ named assistant archivist in charge of $1 6, 000-$22, 000 plus benefits. Send tion and oral and written communication. the Office of Public Programs and Exhibits application letter, resume, and three Salary: $22,000 minimum plus benefits, FRANK C. BURKE has been named acting references to: Search Committee, South­ negotiable depending on experience. assistant archivist for the National Ar­ ern Oregon Historical Society, P.O. Box Submit resume and names o f three re fe r­ chives. TRUDY HUSKAMP PETERSON 480, Jacksonville, OR 97530. A pplication ences to: Chairman, Search Committee, is acting deputy assistant archivist for deadline: November 30, 1984. Troup County Historical Society, P.O. the National Archives. RICHARD JACOBS Box 1051, LaCrange, GA 30241. A p p li­ is acting director of the NHPRC. . . ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, Applied His­ cation deadline: December 15, 1984. RICHARD CAMERON is on a one-year tory, University of South Carolina. Ten­ leave from his position as field director ure-track, assistant professorship, com­ at the Minnesota Historical Society to mencing 8/16/85. Primary field archival PHOTO ARCHIVIST, Kansas State Histor­ serve as a program o ffice r in the Re­ management. Position will require teach­ ical Society. To catalog backlog of un­ search Resources Program at the Nation­ ing graduate courses in archival manage­ cataloged images, assist researchers, par­ al Endowment for the Humanities. In ment within a well established applied ticipate and supervise photograph pre­ his absence, HAMPTON SMITH is serving history program, and survey and upper servation and conservation procedures, at the Society's acting field director. level undergraduate courses. Qualifica­ acquire and accession new photographs, . . .TIMOTHY ERICSON is taking a 20- tions: Ph.D. in history required. Ar­ and supervise the department's film, month leave of absence from the Univer­ chival and teaching experience necessary. video and audiotape collections. Mini­ sity of Wisconsin-River Falls to work Applications with resume to: George C. mum qualifications: B.A. from an accre­ on a project at the State Historical of Rogers, Jr., Chairman, History, Univer­ dited college or university supplemented by a master's degree in American history, Wisconsin to formulate a collection devel­ sity of South Carolina, Columbia, SC archival administration, historical admin­ opment policy for the Society and the 29208. A pplication deadline: December Area Research Network. SUSAN STEIN- 10, 1984. istration, library science, or a related WALL will serve as acting archivist at field. Experience may be substituted for River Falls during his absence. . . DIRECTOR, Vermont Historical Society. the required master's degree. Specific VICTORIA IRONS WALCH has resigned To oversee its museums and reference qualifications: experience cataloging from her position at the National Archives library and be responsible for its quar­ photographs, familiarity with the Library and is w orking as an independent con­ terly, Vermont History, its bimonthly, of Congress classification system, and sultant in archives. Vermont History News, and other publi­ experience in automation and computeri­ cations. Additional areas of responsi­ zation. Salary: $19,188. Additional bility include program and membership information and application forms may be development, budgeting and operational obtained from Nancy Sherbert, Manu­ management, fund raising, legislative script Department, Research Center, Opportunities liaison, and cooperation with local his­ Kansas State Historical Society, 120 W. torical societies. Position open July 1, 10th, Topeka, KS 66612; (913) 296-3165. 1985. For further information, write Application deadline: November 16, 1984. RECORDS ANALYST, American College Search Committee, Vermont Historical of Physicians. Provides technical, cleri­ Society, 109 State St., Montpelier, VT ASSOCIATE ARCHIVIST, University of cal and custodial support for integrated 05602. A pplication deadline: February Missouri. To manage the archives of archives-library-records management 1, 1985. division. Inventories records for stor­ the Kansas City, Missouri campus. age, maintains off-site records center Duties include recommending acquisi­ organization, records transfers and EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE OR ASSISTANT tions, processing and maintaining mate­ inventory control data bases. Accessions EDITOR, Thomas A. Edison Papers, rials, providing research assistance to records received in the archives and Rutgers University. Responsibilities the university community and general assists with microfilming preparations. include organizing, selecting, and index­ public, managing budget and personnel Assists with library organization and ing documents in the archive at the matters, and coordinating with the records and bibliographic research. Edison National Historic Site, and pre­ university archivist at central adminis­ Qualifications: Minimum training 2 years paring these documents for microfilming. tration. Qualifications: Master's degree post-high school, Bachelor's degree pre­ Qualifications: M.A. in history and in history, library science, or an equiva­ ferred. Word processing training/exper­ training or experience in archives man­ lent combination of education and experi­ ience essential. Fields of training, ex­ agement is highly desirable. A back­ ence is necessary. Ph.D . in h isto ry is perience: records-oriented, archives, or ground in business and economic his­ desirable. Four to five years of re­ library preferred. Must be able to lift tory, the history of technology, and search level experience in archival work 50 lb. cartons. Salary: $73-$14, 000+ nineteenth century American social his­ is necessary. Minimum salary: low 20's, depending on training/experience. Send tory is desirable. Forward cover letter, salary negotiable based on experience. resume with two references to Joanne resume, and names of three references Submit letter of applicaton and resume DiSanto, Personnel Manager, American to: Thomas A. Edison Papers, Rutgers, to: Personnel Services, University of College of Physicians, 4200 Pine St., The State U n ive rsity o f New Jersey, Missouri, 1205 University Ave., Suite Philadelphia, PA 19104. No closing date New B runsw ick, NJ 08903. Application 600, Columbia, MO 65211. A pplication provided. deadline: November 23, 1984. deadline: November 16, 1984.

SAA Newsletter November 1984 10 Professional Opportunities

Two positions, Illinois State Historical Li- 1 ASSISTANT ARCHIVIST, Roman Catholic LIBRARIAN/ARCH I VIST, Monmouth b ra ry : Archdiocese of Boston. Principal respon­ County Historical Association. To man­ sibilities include processing archival col­ age and promote an im portant local New HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS CONSERVA­ lections, reference duties, and super­ Jersey history research collection and TOR. With training in all phases of paper vision of part-time staff and interns. library under the supervision of the and book conservation to develop a com­ Will also assume responsibility for broad­ Director. Responsibilities include day- prehensive conservation/preservation ening educational programs with local to-day management of the library, devel­ program. Duties will include responsibil­ schools. Qualifications: Master's de­ opment and preservation of collections, ity for commercial and in-house binding; gree in history or library science with development and promotion of library encapsulation and deacidification of concentration in archives; T-3 years' programs, supervision of volunteers and paper materials; supervision of preserva­ archival experience. Background in interns, grants preparation and publica­ tion microfilming; preparation and main­ American religious history helpful. tion development. Qualifications include tenance of a disaster preparedness plan; Send resume and salary history to an M.L.S. or equivalent experience, and other duties generally related to con­ James M. O'Toole, A rc h iv is t, A rchdio­ knowledge of management and archival servation /preservation. Qualifications: cese of Boston, 2121 Commonwealth Ave., management, strong writing skills, fa­ Prefer M.L.S. (or equivalent), advanced B rig h to n , MA 02135. Application dead­ miliarity with history and genealogy re­ organic chemistry, and two years' exper­ line: December 7, 1984. search and ability to work effectively ience in a conservation/preservation pro­ with Board of Trustees, volunteers and gram. Salary: $17,340. ARCHIVIST, New York State Archives. a diverse public. Salary range is Permanent position; available immediately. $14, 000 to $18,000, depending upon CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN. With To assist in public and educational pro­ qualifications. Send cover letter, experience in paper and book conserva­ grams, including newsletter, publica­ resume, and three letters of recommenda­ tion to assist Historical Documents Con-^B tions, exhibits, and audiovisual produc­ tion to Director, Monmouth County His­ servator. Duties will include repair, de­ tions. Strong writing skills essential. torical Association, 70 Court St., Free­ acidification, and encapsulation of docu­ Public programs experience preferred. hold, NJ 07728. No closing date pro­ ments; construction of solander and Qualifications: M.A. in history, public vided. phase boxes; repair and reconstruction administration, library science, or a of books, etc. Qualifications: Prefer closely-related field and one year of HEAD, Special Collections Department, B.A. with significant work in chemistry, archival experience. Provisional ap­ Montana State University. Responsible organic chemistry, and art history, one pointment will be made; permanent sta­ for the organization and management of year experience or internship in book tus contingent upon candidate meeting special collections and the university ar­ and paper conservation, and knowledge state civil service classification require­ chives; provides access to and reference of library materials. Salary: $15,408. ments. Send resume and samples of service; prepares grant proposals for written materials to: Larry J. Hackman, special project funding; trains and super­ Apply in writing to Roger D. Bridges, New Y ork State A rchives, C ultural vises student and clerical staff, and is Head, Library Services, Illinois State Education Center, Albany, NY 12230; expected to participate in library and Historical Library, Old State Capitol, (518) 474-1195. Application deadline: university committees. Qualifications: S p rin g fie ld , IL 62706. No closing date December 15, 1984. M.L.S. from an ALA-accredited institu­ provided. tion required. Master's or Ph.D. in his­ MANUSCRIPT SPECIALIST, Western His­ tory, history of science. Native American torical Manuscript Collection, University studies, or other related area of study ARCHIVIST/RESEARCHER, Discovery Hall of Missouri. Entry-level position, pri­ Museum. Duties include processing and desired and eventually required for pro­ mary duty is processing collections, motion. Three years of training and ex­ preparation of finding aids for the busi­ arrangement, and preparation of finding perience in special collections work in ness records: and photographic collec­ aids. May prepare collections for micro­ an academic library (including process­ tions of the museum. Assisting research­ filming and assist with microfilm program. ing, cataloging, and indexing special ers and general public with reference and May assist with reference service. Qual­ collections materials ) is required. Train­ research questions. Performing other ifications: B.A. in history or another ing and experience in archival organiza­ curatorial and museum related functions social science; archival training and/or tion and management and records manage­ as assigned. Performing clerical duties experience preferred. Previous work ment is desired. Experience in computer related to archival collections. Qualifica­ with collections of business or organiza­ tions: B.A. in history, economics, applications in libraries desirable. Must tional records desirable. Salary: $13,752 demonstrate ability to communicate effec­ American studies, or related field is re­ plus University of Missouri benefits. tively, both orally and in writing. Posi­ quired; a master's degree in archival Send letter of application, resume, and tion available 2/1/85 or as soon as pos­ training, museum or library science pre­ names, addresses,’ and telephones num­ ferred. Candidate must demonstrate sible thereafter. Tenure-track, assistant bers of three references to Nancy Lank­ professor level, $22,000 minimum. Candi­ ability to process materials accurately ford, Associate Director, Western His­ and prepare finding aids for the collec­ date must meet university's requirements torical Manuscript Collection-Columbia, for promotion and tenure. Send letter of tion. Experience in archives or manu­ 23 Ellis Library, University of Missouri, application, resume, and three letters of script collections preferred. The posi­ Columbia, MO 65201. A pplication dead­ recommendation, which specifically ad­ tion involves some moving of heavy line: December 31, 1984. dress the qualifications for this position, boxes and materials as well as typ in g to: Special Collections Search Committee, and other clerical skills for the perform­ ARCHIVIST, Leo Baeck In s titu te . To Dean's Office, Roland R. Renne Library, ance of duties. Salary: $12,500 plus administer major historical collection in Montana State University, Bozeman, MT benefits for a one year appointment. Cerman-Jewish history and culture. 59717-0022. Applications must be post­ Candidate should be able to begin work Responsibilities include assessing and marked or received no later than Novem­ on or before 2/1/85. Send resume and setting priorities regarding cataloging, ber 30, 1984. references to: Gust A. Saros, Jr., conservation, reference services, and Director, Discovery Hall Museum, 120 acquisitions. Supervises small staff of South St. Joseph St., South Bend, IN professionals, clerical and volunteer 46601. A pplication deadline: December help. Qualifications: Ph.D. required. 1, 1984. Knowledge of German and German orthog­ raphy essential. Hebrew helpful. Sal­ it is assumed that all employers comply ary negotiable? Send vita to: Leo with Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Baeck Institute, 129 E. 73rd St., New Action regulations. Y ork, NY 10021. No closing date pro­ vided.

11 SAA Newsletter November 198*1 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sffl Newsletter CHICAGO, IL. PERMIT NO. 885 The Society of American Archivists 600 S. Federal, Suite 504 Chicago, Illinois 60605 Ann Morgan Campbell, Executive Director (312) 922-0140

INSIDE. . .

Nominating Committee Selects Candidates. . . . 3 Ethylene Oxide Standard S e t ...... 4 1984-85 Leadership L i s t ...... 5-8 Professional Opportunities ...... 10-11

AND MORE!! TIME VALUE MAIL

Theft at Massachusetts State Archives

On the morning of Wednesday, August 8, the leaves of the charter were removed from the museum Massachusetts State Archives suffered a signifi­ and placed in the secure archives vault. Other cant loss. The first leaf of the Massachusetts items deemed of particular importance, such as Bay Company Charter of 1629 was stolen from the Bradford diary, were also removed from the a locked display case in the archives museum. museum, and the museum closed. Since that time, An accompanying brown wax seal of King Charles I a further decision has been made to remove all also was stolen. The three remaining leaves of the original items from the museum. Upon the reopen­ Charter, which were on display in adjoining cases, ing of the museum, photostats of original documents were not disturbed during the theft. will be used exclusively until the move of the museum from the State House to Columbia Point. Archives staff immediately notified the Capital Police, who hold jurisdiction over the State House. Police investigations in the several weeks since They, in turn, brought in the State Police for the theft, have focused on two individuals, for fingerprint analysis of the display case and for whom composite drawings have been prepared. other technical services. The Capital Police, fol­ One man, age about 60, reportedly had become lowing the suggestions of archives staff, also con­ beligerent the previous day upon being directed tacted the FBI. While an FBI agent in Texas who to the archives by the State House tour office had specialized in manuscript theft was found after requesting a copy of the Charter. A second no longer to be with the Bureau, the police were man, age about 40, had been observed in the museum able to make contact with the Boston office of the at the approximate time of the theft. A high school FBI. Although the FBI indicated that they were summer intern working for the archives had noticed not able to formally enter the case on the basis this man carrying a large artist's portfolio. Unfor­ of information available after the theft, they did tunately, the intern was called out of the museum discuss the progress of the investigation with by another staff member and did not have the op­ the Capital Police. portunity to observe the subsequent actions of this person. The Capital Police are aided in their Investigation indicated that the thief (or thieves) investigation by the presence of fresh fingerprints had entered the museum, which was open to the on a glass sheet, inside the Charter case, which public, between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m. and had was used to cover the leaf. Beyond the initial in­ forced open the display case in which the Charter volvement of the State Police and the FBI, the was held. The case had been custom-designed Capital Police are being aided by the criminal in­ for the charter and had been used for its display vestigation division of the Attorney General's office. since the opening of the archives museum in 1961. The museum is slated to be moved in the summer In a related area, the theft has brought about re­ of 1985 to the new archives building presently newed interest in an archival theft bill which has under construction in the Columbia Point section been filed for the last two sessions by the archives o f Boston. division and which has failed to pass thus far. Successful passage of this bill would allow public In the hours immediately after the theft, archives records keepers, at the state and local level, to staff alerted local and area manuscript dealers detain individuals thought to have stolen public to the loss and also had a description of the item records without incurring civil or criminal liability entered in the BAMBAM computer network for for slander, assault, or a number of other poten­ stolen mansucripts and rare books. The remaining tial charges.