Collection Development Basics: How to Responsibly Build a Historical Archive

A session at the 2020 Local History and Historic Preservation Conference @Home

Sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board

Simone Munson, Collection Development Coordinator, Wisconsin Historical Society

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. So the saying goes, but how do historical institutions decide which collections to take? What are the factors to consider when donors offer an archival collection? During this session, we will cover the basics of identifying a collection scope, audience, preservation needs, legal rights and restrictions, and other considerations when acquiring an archival collection.

Additional Resources for this session

Guide to writing a collection development policy (WHRAB)

Sample Collection Development Summary

Sample Collections Management Policy from American Heritage Center

Sample Collections Management Policy from Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Guide for reappraisal and deaccessioning (SAA)

Donor Relations: Wisconsin Historical Society Policy for Donating Items or Collections

Society of American Archivists: Donating Your Personal of Family Records to a Repository

Society of American Archivists: A Guide to Deeds of Gift

Behrnd-Klodt, Menzi, Navigating Legal Issues in Archives, Society of American Archivist, 2008

Have Questions?

Contact us at lhhpconference@wisconsinhistory.org.

Learn More

2020 Local History and Historic Preservation Conference @Home

Preserve Your Homes and Properties

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