Archives Vs. Preservation: Why the Divide?

Many people around the Library have recently noticed an intriguing, orange line on the floor in the shared Archives and Preservation Area on 3rd floor. Jokingly people have asked “Why are you fighting?” 

The truth is, we’re not fighting at all!

One of our goals this year to is create a clear distinction between the Archives department and the Preservation department. By sharing the same space, folks have been a little confused…and we want to help!

What Does Everyone Do?

 

On the 3rd Floor, ARCHives = Digital

Anne and her ARCHives accomplices (shared with Mee) are successfully digitizing many different formats of historic material. Anne’s work involves preserving and providing access to historical information about Minnesota State University, Mankato and South Central Minnesota, including photos, yearbooks, student newspapers, oral histories and more about Minnesota State University, Mankato and South Central Minnesota in ARCH, the University Archives Digital Collections.  In addition, Anne helps to maintain the University Records Center, housed in the lower level of the Taylor Center and assists Mee as needed in the University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center.

  

For the most part, Preservation = Physical

Jamie and her Preservation crew address preservation issues for physical items within the Library collections at Minnesota State University, Mankato that need repair, binding, custom enclosures, encapsulation, gluing, replacement, etc. Jamie does not preserve digital items or personal items in the Library. Jamie and her students work in the Government Documents department as well. In regards to preservation, she also co-chairs the Disaster Team with Daardi Sizemore, University Archivist. Find out more about Preservation at MNSU: lib.mnsu.edu/services/preservation.

 

University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center

Mee and her Archives students help to manage the day-to-day needs of the University Archives. This includes working with researchers to identify materials housed in the University Archives that may help in their research. Currently, there are many ongoing projects to organize, preserve, make accessible, and highlight our collections. Learn more about the University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center: http://lib.mnsu.edu/archives/.

In conclusion, Archives and Preservation are not having a hard time getting along. We just do different tasks!

Jamie Dalbey is a Preservation and Government Documents Technician at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Learn more about Preservation here.