Archives & Special Collections Interest Group

The Archives & Special Collections (ASC) Interest Group will appeal to special collections librarians, archivists, and librarians responsible for manuscripts, rare books, and other "special" collections or those who are interested in such materials.

Our main objectives are to create a space for discussions about topics relevant to this field, organize workshops and conference sessions on various issues related to local collections and special collections in general, as well as sharing projects that each of may be involved in. We also aim to connect experts with librarians who are new to working with special materials but have the responsibility of managing them.

We will invite guest speakers who have expertise in specific areas to share their knowledge with the group. Additionally, we sponsor programs at MLA conferences on a range of topics, such as rare book cataloging, finding aids, instructing users on bibliographic resources, advocating for, and reaching out to unique collections, and implementing best practices for preserving our historical documents.

For more information, or to join, email archivesgroup@mainelibraries.org.

MEETING & EVENTS

Zoom link for all ASC Group Meeting:

https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/84796687277

ASC Group Meeting (Zoom)
Tuesday, February 18 @ 2pm
Guest Speaker: Patricia Sullivan, of the Museum of Maritime Pets located in Rockland, Maine  to talk about collections and programs. www.museumofmaritimepets.org

ASC Workshop
"How to Turn Your Maine History Room into a Local History Room"
(Postponed for Spring 2025)

Past Meeting Recordings

ASC Group Meeting (Zoom)
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, 2-3PM
Guest Speaker: Mary Kathryn Kwasnik, Preservation Specialist, Northeast Document and Conservation Center (NEDCC).
Recorded presentation for those who were unable to attend the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbiXkS2jisc

RESOURCES OF INTEREST

Professional Organizations

• Maine Archives & Museums
• New England Archivists
• New England Museum Association
• Society of American Archivists
• SAA Archives of Color

Information Sites

• National Archives and Records Administration
• Northeast Document and Conservation Center
• Conservation Online Resources
• Repositories of Primary Sources [Note: Last updated 2015 but still useful]
• National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections