Understanding Archives & Manuscripts

by James M. O'Toole, Richard J. Cox

This volume introduces students and beginning practitioners to the fundamentals of working with and preserving archival records and manuscripts. Sample topics include the history of the archives profession, the organization of archival records, and the values that inform practice. A new chapter on contemporary challenges in the archival world has been added for the second edition, and the bibliographic essay has been updated. O'Toole (history, Boston College) is former director of the MA program in history and archives at the U. of Massachusetts-Boston, and Cox supervises graduate students at the U. of Pittsburgh, School of Information Sciences. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Genres: Library Science, Nonfiction, School, Textbooks, History, Professional Development, Reference

237 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a textbook this was quite readable. I have no qualms or problems with the book, but it was pretty much an introductory book and I can't say that I ever really got engaged with the text, but it was nice and informative.

[Colin Post · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written and well-sourced introduction to archival studies and practice, this book still holds up after 15+ years. I’m awaiting the new edition of the book eagerly, but this one does well for the time being.

I especially appreciate how O’Toole and Cox develop the intellectual foundation of archival work, grounded in an understanding of records, record making practices and technologies. There are aspects of archival work that cut across spans of time and space, but the context of the records themselves—how they were created, used, made meaningful—necessarily influences how we make this material into memory.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note to future self: don't wait until the last week before an exam to read an entire textbook. Veni Vidi Vici, but it wasn't pleasant.

Understand Archives and Manuscripts is actually an interesting book worthy of taking time to read, especially the history component about early archives in America and the French Revolution. I wish I had given myself more time to enjoy instead of cram, but alas here I am.

The only criticism I have is the last chapter talking about the future of the profession. As this book was published in 2006, it's a bit dated.

[Aaron Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent summary of the field. This book feels a bit dated at times but does a fine job of explaining what exactly an archivist is and what they do in the modern day.

[Melina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good, somewhat dated basis of understanding for why and how archives are run.

[Crystal Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a class.

[RebelliousBookworm · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, even though I had to only read a short portion. Boring as fuck, even had a typo in it.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic read for anyone entering into the archival profession.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, compelling read that reviews all the basics for anyone interested in the archives profession. This volume is suitable for students and emerging professionals; it's not a boring lecture full of technical jargon, but rather an open discussion with the reader about the history, purpose, and future of archives and archivists.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this during my archives class and found O'Tool provides a good introduction that mirrored what my professor explained. My favorite part of the book is the extensive bibliographic essay at the end, which gave me lots of idea about what I should read next about archives.

[Rino Landa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An succinct overview of the history and theoretical foundations of archival studies. It's a great introduction for MLS/MLIS and Archival Science students, but it's lasting value comes from an excellent bibliographical essay and from it's highly detailed end notes.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

By my lovely professor, Dr. Richard Cox. Actually relatively entertaining and definitely accessible.

[Elsa Feiring · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down!! :)

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is misleading... the author doesn't really address manuscripts all that much. A good intro to the archiving profession nonetheless.

[Olgalijo · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're thinking about getting a career as an archivist, this is a very good book to look at what the profession is really about.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts of it felt outdated, but it was a solid discussion of archives.

[Stephanie]

A succinct introduction to archival practice.

[Emily Dean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Required for class. Not sure how to rate text books but I've also never read a text book from cover to cover so there's that.