Wrestling That 200-Pound Gorilla in the Room: Practical Solutions for the Care and Management of Associated Records

Summary

In spite of the broadly recognized importance of associated records, they are often the last part of a collection to be organized, catalogued, and stabilized. Disorganized, or "lost" associated records are a source of frustration for researchers and collection managers alike. Conversely, well-organized and accessible associated records have many benefits to artifact collections including an increase in research potential, a legal foundation for ownership and control, and greater interpretive value. This presentation will discuss how the Natural History Museum of Utah is tackling the challenge of organizing, digitizing, rehousing, and managing over 150 linear feet of associated records. At the heart of this project is the premise that the care and management of archaeological associated records falls somewhere between the missions of archives and records management. As such, new professional standards should be established that meet the needs of this unique collection type.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 18804