Using Archival Assessments for Strategic Planning and Advocacy, Part I

Abstract

This report explains how to use an archival assessment to develop a strategic plan and advocate for support for folklore archives housed within larger institutions. We focus especially on how to manage collections in order to increase public awareness and use of archival materials while also considering how to prioritize projects based on such factors as the rate at which various materials are degrading, available labor and funding, incoming donations, development related to mission and organization trends, and researcher interests. We also suggest how to balance short-term concerns with long-term goals. This report is specific to our own context at a large university but will include a description of general approaches and practices that will be useful to other folklore archival collections that are attached to a variety of institutions.