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.

To request a site visit, please email sos.vhrp@vermont.gov with a description of what you would like to discuss. You can also connect with the Roving Archivist (and other cultural heritage workers around the state!) at the VHRP virtual office hours, held the last Tuesday of each month from 1-2 PM. Please email at the same address above to get a link for the virtual office hours.