mac2019detroit

Challenges of transparency and accessibility are universal across the public history profession and university archives. This session will explore the importance of openness and transparency while highlighting the need for proper records management and knowledge of open records laws. Each institution regardless of size must respect the trust and faith their key stakeholders have in how their budgets, taxes, and donations are spent. Researchers, students, genealogists, government agencies, university administrators, and other groups are actively using our resources. Without proper guidance and policies, libraries, archives, and museums could face backlash on either too much accessibility or too little transparency. Panelists will discuss how their individual outreach efforts serve as powerful tools for guidance, collaboration, and relationship building in their roles as archivists and librarians. Through proper training and policies organizations can protect the trust of the public and records creators while also protecting the privacy of individuals and donors.

This panel of archivists and librarians working in state, local, and academic institutions will provide specific practical tips and insight into various outreach efforts including
records management training to records creators and managers, records management
surveys specific to experiences with digital records, and public instruction. The
panel will share the challenges, rewards, outcomes, and lessons learned along
the way as we all strive to better serve and provide for our patrons and stakeholders.