MA'AM, THIS IS AN ARCHIVE
This isn’t a Wendy’s, Ma'am. Visitors are welcome, but you need an appointment for the Archives. Contact this email address.
What is archives@emerson.edu?
(Some collections need to be recalled from offsite storage or from another building, so reach out in advance).
The lion's share this essential library function now falls to Paul, while Marc & Melissa dig deeper into ECASC duties.
What is Cataloging?
(Technical Services)
When working with archival or special collections, don't use this writing implement which can permanently damage documents.
What is a pen or marker?
This type of student capstone project held in the Archives is pluralized with an "es."
What is a thesis? / (academic theses)
[Theses can only be accessed with author(s)-approval, during the author(s)' lifetime].
Materials sent to offsite storage go to this heavy metal plateau.
What is Iron Mountain?
This isn't a FedEx Office. We only provide this five-syllable "D" service on materials permanently transferred to the Archives.
What is digitization?
Reach out to this person with your digital exhibit idea, social media request, or digital scholarship projects for faculty.
Who is Melissa DiBerardino?
(Digital Access & Reference Archivist)
This fuzzy residue forms when a document or book is wet and dries in a humid environment.
What is mold?
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What are the American Comedy Archives?
This "schedule" is your keep-it-or-toss-it timeline.
What is retention schedule?
We all have dueling priorities. Melissa's Digital Initiatives include her work with Marc Fields on the history of this plucky stringed instrument.
What is the banjo?
(Banjo Project: https://banjo.emerson.edu)
This person is responsible for working with donors to acquire special collections.
Who is Jenn Williams?
(Assistant Director for Archives & Special Collections)
When acetate film deteriorates, it can smell like this liquid, often paired with olive oil on a salad.
What is vinegar?
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What are ARTSTOR (Digital Library) & JSTOR (Open Access)?
The simple term for: original and official evidence of Emerson College business transactions, decisions, and actions. Some are permanent while others must be destroyed.
What are college records?
Sorry, we won’t do your homework for you, but we offer archival reference service up to this length of time.
What is one hour?
Have an appetite for destruction? Feel the urge to "shred?" Don't call GnR's Slash. Call her instead.
Who is Lydia Rice?
(Records Manager)
We use this aptly named platform to preserve digital records.
What is Preservica?
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What is Vermont?
A notice from the Office of the General Counsel which prohibits the Archives from destroying records related to a lawsuit, investigation, or audit.
What is a litigation hold?
This isn’t the Registrar, Ma'am. The Archives can only provide unofficial copies of student records from the 1880s through this decade.
What are the 1980s?
(...and even then, we only provide student records under certain circumstances).
Reach out to this person if you have digital college records you need to preserve long-term.
Who is Michelle Romero? (Digital Archivist)
It ain't cheap, but this attribute of archival boxes, folders and tissue paper creates a pH-neutral environment to help preserve materials in the long term.
What is acid-free?
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Who is Ed Harding '75?
These EC staffers are trained as our records management minions throughout the College. We call them DROs.
What are Department Records Officers?