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Synopsis
Defines and explores what it takes to build and sustain exemplary archival programs and related programs such as historical agencies, libraries, and information centers.
Library Journal
To all those working in archives, whatever the size or institutional affiliation, this collection of essays may serve either as consolation or annoyance. There is reasonable advice here on how professionals are to keep their sanity and their jobs. However, more than that, several of the authors demand that archivists move beyond their "monastic image" and enter the contemporary fray with a spirit of flexibility, dragging their collections with them. Of these articles a good number describe personal experiences and present case studies however one may judge the instructional value of such lessons. The annoyance comes from the emphasis on "strategic planning" and suchlike managerial jargon. For those who have been strategically planned to death, with no concrete results to show for their efforts, what could be more annoying? Editor Dearstyne (Coll. of Information Studies, Univ. of Maryland) notes that "models of excellence in archival leadership are scarce" and that "articles on archival leadership are even more rare." In that sense, this volume is a welcome addition to the literature. Recommended for all archivists/records managers. Barry Chad, Carnegie Lib. of Pittsburgh Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.