Roving Archivist
A Roving Archivist is available to travel to historical societies, museums, municipal offices, colleges and universities, and public libraries with archives or local history collections. During the site visit, they offer technical assistance on how to better preserve and provide access to historical records, make observations and recommendations, answer questions, and suggest additional resources. Most site visits last from 1-2 hours and result in a written report that includes observations, best practices, and recommendations.
The following topics may be addressed during the site visit and in the report:
- Temperature, relative humidity, air quality, and environmental monitoring
- Light
- Water and fire protection
- Emergency preparedness
- Pests and housekeeping
- Security
- Shelving, storage furniture, and space
- Housing
- Collecting policies
- Inventorying
- Accessioning and deaccessioning
- Arrangement and description
- Online access and community engagement
- Digitizing
- In-house repair and professional conservation
The Roving Archivist can bring a light meter to measure light exposure in records storage and exhibit areas and can provide a HEPA vacuum for cleaning inactive mold and other contaminants from records and storage areas. Scanning equipment is also available to assist in digitizing photographic, documentary materials, art and artifacts. The Roving Archivist can provide training in using the above equipment.
To request a site visit, please contact VHRP with a description of what you would like to discuss. You can also contact VHRP about joining the Roving Archivist (and other cultural heritage workers around the state!) at the VHRP virtual office hours held on the third Tuesday of each month from 1-2 PM.