“Archival materials—and the kinds of finding aids and records that help users locate, identify, and evaluate relevant sources—are increasingly available online these days,” said Gale Eaton, a professor in the library school and workshop organizer. “This is a great chance for our archives students to discuss with future colleagues and constituents the newest techniques for creating effective access. In addition, the workshop offers practicing archivists a wealth of information.”
Brown archivist Jay Gaidmore, moderator of the event, will discuss the Rhode Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online project – a grant-funded initiative by a 10-member consortium including Brown and URI.
There will be two panels, scholars in the morning and archivists in the afternoon. The morning panelists will share what they found searching the archives. Author Janet Lisle learned the story of the state’s Sakonnet Indians from early land deeds; URI Professor of Labor and Industrial Relations Scott Molloy unearthed sources for labor and ethnic history; and dual master’s student Hailie Posey explored the Rhode Island Historical Society archives.
Afternoon panelists Terri Goldich, curator of the Northeast Children’s Literature Collection, Michael Bennett, University of Connecticut Digital Projects Librarian, and Elliott Caldwell, archival consultant, will demonstrate the wide variety of career paths available.
The workshop will be held at the URI University Club, 95 Upper College Road, on the Kingston campus. The event is co-sponsored by URI GSLIS Alumni and Student Chapter, Special Libraries Association.
Cost for workshop is $20. Current library students pay $10. Checks should be made payable to GSLIS and mailed to GSLIS, University of Rhode Island, Rodman Hall, 94 West Alumni Avenue, Kingston, R.I. 02881, by Oct. 16.