The Mary C. Barnes Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 by the Metropolitan Archives of Nashville and Davidson County and the Friends of the Metro Archives for the purpose of providing monetary assistance to new archivists in Tennessee.

The scholarship provides monetary assistance to attend the biannual meetings of the Society of Tennessee Archivists. Applicants for the scholarship fund should be: (1) employed at least one year in a archives or a related field with archival duties in a Tennessee city or county archives, library or historical society and (2) spend at least 50% of the work day in an archival domain as defined by the Academy of Certified Archivists.

Those wishing to apply for the scholarship should submit a letter of introduction, a current resume, and proof of employment which fulfills the above requirements (such as a job description) to Ken Fieth, Director of the Metropolitan Archives of Nashville & Davidson County, 3801 Green Hills Village Dr., Nashville, Tenn., 37215.

Mark your calendars for STA2013…

Mission
The mission of the Office of the Secretary of State is to exceed the expectations of our customers, the taxpayers, by
operating at the highest levels of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and accountability in a customer-centered
environment.

Supervisor: Assistant State Archivist

Summary: Carry out duties related to the administration of the Archives Development Program and the Tennessee
Historical Records Advisory Board; Assist the Assistant State Archivist in the following functions in support of the
development and promotion of professional-quality records management and archives programs in the counties and
municipalities of the State of Tennessee.

Duties/Responsibilities
 Review and maintain familiarity with existing local government records development goals, plans, and
evaluation criteria.
 Analyze evolving conditions and make recommendations for improvement in local records development
goals, plans, and criteria.
 Serve as Deputy State Historical Records Coordinator with active participation in and support of the work
of the Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB).
 Manage ADP, special digitization projects and TSLA outreach projects under the oversight of the Assistant
State Archivist; Work with other sections on building team-wide efforts.
 Conduct site inspections and surveys of county and municipal records management offices and archives.
 Consult with local government officials, archivists, historians, and genealogists about developing,
equipping, supplying and operating local archives.
 Prepare and distribute informational literature on local archives management to and for local government
archives and records managers.
 Develop training programs and participate in the instruction of such programs for local government
officials, records officers, archivists, genealogists and historians.
 Serve as grants coordinator for the Local Archives Development Grants.
 Advise local government officials and archivists about the application of electronic processing and imaging
systems to local records.
 Consult with state and local officials, including the Records Management Division, County Technical
Assistance Service, Municipal Technical Advisory Service, and vendors of electronic records systems to
promote the application of state-of-the-art archival guidance, requirements, criteria, and specifications for
the application of electronic processing and imaging systems.
 Coordinate with the Records Management Division, County Technical Assistance Service, and Municipal
Technical Advisory Service on the employment and evolution of records disposition schedules for local
records.
 Represent the Tennessee State Library and Archives at professional meetings to share and exchange
experiences and to solve problems related to local records and archives management.
 Record and report the work of the Tennessee State Library and Archives local records development
program to regional and national associations.
 Perform other related duties as requested, including but not limited to, processing state records and donated
manuscript materials in the Tennessee State Library and Archives and assistance with the archives
microfilming program, public research requests, records conservation and the like.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:
 Master’s degree in American History, Master’s of Library Science, or related field.
 Experience equivalent to two (2) years in an archives, special collections library, or other records
repository including at least six (6) months experience in arranging and describing an archival collection.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
 Knowledge and understanding of the process and principles of records appraisal and disposition and the
basic principles of archival theory and practice
 Familiarity with current literature on archival implications of electronic information processing and
imaging systems
 Knowledge and understanding of archival microfilming, scanning practices and digital records standards
 Possess the knowledge and skill in preparing brochures, handouts, and website pages for publication
 Demonstrate good organizational skills in order to effectively manage the paperwork involved with the
administration of the Archives Development Program
 Possess project and program management skills
 Demonstrate competence in English composition equivalent to that of a successful research paper at the
graduate level
 Demonstrate competence in database and word processing skills
 Demonstrate the ability to work with members of county and municipal governments on a professional
level
 Demonstrate the ability to assist in meeting and event planning
Physical Requirements:
 Travels regularly and extensively throughout the State of Tennessee to the sites of local government
records offices and archives
 Must be physically able to endure and maintain an acceptable level of performance in confined quarters and
dusty or damp conditions for extended periods of time during examination of neglected records storage
 Must be physically capable of lifting and carrying books and boxes of records up to forty pounds up flights
of stairs.
Health, Safety, and Collection Security Statement:
 Assist the organization to create a safe and healthy working environment by working safely with the
equipment provided
 Follow instructions given for health and safety purposes and immediately report any unsafe working
practices or hazardous working conditions
 Take appropriate, necessary measures to protect the collections from loss, mutilation, and theft.

Salary: $4,167 per month plus State of Tennessee benefits package.

To apply, please email your letter of interest and resume to Maggie Bahou, Director of HR,
sos.hr@tn.gov by Friday, May 31, 2013.

A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE GEORGIA STATE ARCHIVES

To:       The Honorable Gov. Nathan Deal

The Honorable Secretary of State Brian P. Kemp

Issued by the Executive Committee of the Society of Tennessee Archivists

Approved by vote of the membership on 17 October 2012

Dear Sirs:

On behalf of the Society of Tennessee Archivists, we write to encourage executive officials of the State of Georgia to fulfill their obligation to the state’s citizens. The professional community of archivists and concerned citizens of Georgia support the mission and functions of the Georgia State Archives. We believe that your original decision to restrict public access to records in the Archives by allowing access by appointment only, effective November 1, 2012 was ill-conceived, and while we are encouraged with your recent announcement that public access to the Archives has been partially restored, we remain concerned that in the long term the move to shift responsibility of the Archives over to the University System may negatively impact the Georgia Archives’ function as a public entity.

Officials are trustees, accountable to the public and responsible for maintaining access to the records of their functions. A state archive open to citizens’ inquiry is essential to democratic governance. Archives safeguard the rights of individuals and provide citizens with a tangible measure of government accountability. The public record belongs to present and future generations, not past ones. Access to the permanent record—whether as documents, photographs, or vital records—provides the public with an important context for who they are. Ancestors lost or forgotten are given new life due in large measure to public access to our documentary heritage. Archives also hold a wealth of historically important information—records that would be lost forever if it were not for the professional archivists who care for these vitally important materials. Throttling public access to these important records severely limits the free flow of information, hinders historical inquiry, threatens the safety and preservation of the state’s records, and raises relevant questions about an official’s commitment to the whole public trust beyond merely fiscal matters.

The Society of Tennessee Archivists was founded in 1977 to enhance the educational development and professional standing of those who work or have an interest in archives, special collections, records management, and allied disciplines. Our mission, in part, is “to encourage government agencies, other institutions of all types, and individuals to assume and assure modern collection, preservation, and administration of archives and manuscripts,” and “to promote the exchange of information among archival institutions both within and outside Tennessee.” It is in this spirit, as members of the professional community of archivists, and as advocates for open records for the citizens of our neighbor state that we voice our concern. We expect that you will reconsider this measure, and take full responsibility for this agency so that the doors to our past will remain open for its citizens and its neighbors.

Respectfully,

The Executive Committee of the Society of Tennessee Archivists

It’s that time of year again… Planning for the Society of Tennessee Archivists Annual Meeting has been going on for some time, and the latest STA Newsletter, Tennessee Archivist, is now available with a complete list of scheduled sessions and events that you will not want to miss. STA Vice-President Eric Head and his planning committee have put together a wonderful schedule of programs focusing on the election-year theme, “Red, White, Blue, and Recorded! Collecting and Preserving Politics in Tennessee.”

STA2012 will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee on October 15-17, and includes two pre-conference workshops: the SAA workshop, “Copyright Issues for Digital Archives,” and an AASLH non-profit planning session entitled, “Charting Your Organization’s Course for the Future.” There is also a panel discussion about collecting political papers, and sessions focusing on the political cartoons of Charlie Daniel, photographs of White House photographer John H. Rous, moving images from the Highlander Center collection, a look at the history of the Tennessee Historical Society during the 1800s, and a walking tour of Downtown Knoxville’s Civil War sites, just to name a few.

Visit the Society of Tennessee Archivists website, and click on the “Newsletters” link for the latest issue of the Tennessee Archivist, and a full schedule of sessions, and a list of hotels and meeting sites. As President of the Society of Tennessee Archivists, I welcome you to join us at STA2012, and hope to see you in Knoxville in October!

Preserving Digital Archives: Concepts and Competencies

What do you need to know to preserve born-digital materials successfully once they’ve crossed the archives threshold? With an emphasis on modern records and technology, you’ll learn about the concepts and competencies you need to construct and administer digital archives. You’ll examine accepted digital archives models and implementations and emerging standards of practice, as well as preservation metadata schemas and their use in digital archives.

To register, please visit this link on the Society of American Archivists website.

Mark your calendars for the 2012 Midwest Archives Conference Fall Symposium to be held October 19-20, 2012. The Symposium is titled “Engaging Students & Teachers: Integrating Primary Sources in K-16 Curricula,” and it will gather archivists and educators to learn and discuss methods for connecting students with primary sources. Expert speakers will provide hands-on opportunities to work with primary sources, develop assignments and lesson plans using primary sources, and dialogue about best practices.

The Symposium will be held at the Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront in Covington, Kentucky. The hotel is located directly across from Cincinnati, Ohio on the Ohio River and near I-71/I-75.

For updates and further information, please visit the Midwest Archives Conference website at www.midwestarchives.org.

• In the Member Spotlight, STA member Mandi Pitt-Reed shares a few details about herself, and her thoughts on archives.
• Vice-President/President-Elect Eric Head discusses the 1940 Census.
• Amanda Carter provides a student’s perspective on the profession.
• President Gordon Belt reflects on the role of social media and collaboration in the digital age.
• Co-editor Chapel Cowden and Gordon Belt team up to produce an article about Pinterest, and how archivists can utilize this social media phenomenon.

Also, be on the lookout in our next newsletter for information concerning our next annual meeting, held this year in Knoxville, Tennessee on Oct. 15-17. During this election year, the theme for this year’s meeting is “Red, White, Blue, & Recorded: Collecting and Preserving Politics in Tennessee.” It should be a great conference!

Click here to read more from the Spring 2012 Tennessee Archivist Newsletter.

• College of Arts & Sciences, Center for Appalachian Studies & Services, Archives of Appalachia, Professional, Level 7. Position contingent upon grant funding. Effective January 2012. Essential functions: Responsible for all aspects of collections work, including appraisal, acquisitions, arrangement, cataloging, description, and preservation. Includes digital collections management and web outreach. Assists in grant preparation and donor relations. Supervises student assistants. M.A. degree required with coursework in archival studies or related field. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent computer skills. Ability to move 40 lb. box and tolerate exposure to dust/mold. Prefer individual with archives or library experience. To learn more about the Archives of Appalachia, visit their website at http://www.etsu.edu/cass/archives/.

• The University of Tennessee Libraries invites applications for the Modern Political Archivist. We are seeking an organized, goal-oriented, and creative professional to process and manage the collections. This non-tenure track faculty position is in the Special Collections department, a service-oriented team that provides access to rare and unique primary materials in support of the research community. Required Qualifications: Master’s degree from an ALA accredited program. Knowledge of current issues and trends in archival practices. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of archival descriptive standards such as Encoded Archival Description (EAD). Familiarity with preservation practices. Understanding of digital projects and digitization standards. Evidence of strong technical and computer skills. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative environment and work independently. Commitment to providing quality service. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in archives or special collections. Experience with Archivist’s Toolkit. Familiarity with one or more metadata standards such as MODS, METS, Dublin Core, DACS, and OAI_PMH. Familiarity with html and css. Coursework in political science. Project management experience and demonstrated leadership skills. Experience providing reference services. Additional information about this position and the UT community is available at http://www.lib.utk.edu/employ/faculty/mpa.html.

• The Governor John Sevier Memorial Association (GJSMA) is recruiting applicants for the part-time position of Assistant Director for the Marble Springs State Historic Site in Knoxville, Tennessee. Marble Springs was the last home of John Sevier, first governor of Tennessee, and includes five historic structures and other outbuildings on a 35-acre site. We host a variety of events that pertain to the life and times of the late 18th and early 19th-centuries. Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Public History, or related field. Professional experience comparable to above education will be considered. Successful applicants will have computer knowledge; have an interest in public history and general knowledge of non-profit organizations. Familiarity with collections care, Appalachian frontier history and living history is highly desirable, experience in education or a museum-related field is an asset. Visit the MuseumProfessionals.org website at http://www.museumprofessionals.org/forum/administration-jobs/7574-assistant-director-knoxville-tn-usa.html for additional information.

LYRASIS Digital & Preservation Services and the Tennessee State Library and Archives would like to invite you to participate in the development of a Regional Emergency Response Network model to assist cultural heritage institutions with the creation of community-wide networks and to support in joint planning, response and recovery while fostering emergency readiness amongst the individual members of the network. As part of an NEH Preservation and Access grant, LYRASIS is asking cultural heritage professionals throughout the state to attend, participate, and provide feedback to aid in refining the model. The goal of this project is that participants will then be able to use this model in their home regions to develop or support an existing emergency response network.

In an eight (8) week period from the week of May 14th- July 2nd, 2012 participants are will attend two, 2 hour webinars and two 2 day face-to-face training sessions. (A more detailed schedule is included at the end of this message.)

LYRASIS will provide training on disaster planning and recovery skills, facilitate regional recovery team building, coordinate online class registration and face to face meeting locations, and provide refreshments at face to face facilitations.

Participants need attend all the training sessions outlined above as well as committing to creating or reviewing their institutions’ Disaster Plan. This will require the use of time outside of the sessions and a consultation/coaching call with instructor to review disaster plan/ask follow-up questions with each participating institution.

For the online sessions participants must have access to a computer with headset/speakers and microphone, capable of working with the training software platform. (Adobe Connect)

The face-to-face training will be held at the Tennessee State Library and Archives, 403 7th Avenue North on June 5th-6th and June 26th-27th. Participants are responsible for funding their own travel expenses.

As this is a development project, participants will be asked for feedback throughout the sessions but we also ask that you attend an online follow up session (1-2 hours online) to provide feedback help us refine the program.

The training sessions will be lead by LYRASIS staff member Alix Bentrud.

If you have and questions please contact Carol Roberts, carol.roberts@tn.gov or Alix Bentrud, alix.bentrud@lyrasis.org.

If you are interested in participating please fill out the registration survey found at the following http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22F3CYUJX5X. Please fill this out not later than April 21st, 2012.

Schedule

• Week 1: May 16th – Live Online Session Introduction to program 11- 1 ET 10 – 12 CT
• Week 2: May 23rd – Live Online Session 11- 1 ET 10 – 12 CT
• Week 3: May 28th week – No session – completion of tasks from online session
• Week 4: June 5th-6th –Face to Face Sessions; 2 days at Tennessee State Library and Archives
• Week 5: June 11th week – Phone Calls and Coaching – completion of tasks from Face to Face session
• Week 6: June 18th week – Phone Calls and Coaching
• Week 7: June 26th-27th week – Face to Face Sessions, 2 days at Tennessee State Library and Archives
• Week 8: July 2nd week – Live Online Recap/Wrap up