The Lone Arranger: Succeeding in a Small Repository

by Christina J. Zamon

A significant portion of U.S. institutions charged with the preservation of our cultural heritage are small repositories and one-person shops. Rapid advances in technology, increasing regulation on institutional records, and exponential growth in the volume and variety of cultural resources being collected put added pressure on these lone arrangers to find efficient and effective ways to manage their archives. The Lone Arranger: Succeeding in a Small Repository offers guidance on how to handle common work demands while promoting archives best practice. Author and lone arranger Christina Zamon uses a deft touch to address a comprehensive range of topics, including administration and budget, fundraising and donor relations, information technology, collections management, records management, preservation, reference and outreach, facility management, disaster preparedness, and internship and volunteer programs. In addition, case studies by a dozen practitioners representing diverse backgrounds, institutional settings, and geographic locations discuss the challenges they faced when they found themselves responsible for the full spectrum of archives work with limited or no paid staff to assist. Seasoned archivists and newcomers to the profession will benefit from the practical tips, sound advice, and resources shared throughout the volume, as well as the opportunity to connect to the broader community of professional archivists. If you're a lone arranger, with this book you'll find yourself less alone!

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, School, Reference

157 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Jonathan Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm quite thankful for this book. Some months ago, my denomination's archivist withdrew from the position, and I've managed to find myself overseeing the denomination's archives (having previously been the most avid and frequent user thereof anyway). Needless to say, though, I have no particular training and background in the field.

So I thought I'd start with this, which of all the relevant literature is perhaps the most finely tuned to my situation: a solitary archivist (or 'lone arranger,' which Zamon says is "an unusual, yet not uncommon position" [5]), who must perform triage on many tasks with essentially no budget whereof to speak. And in that, it's a helpful and relevant introduction to archival principles and practice - with (and this is key!) gracious modifications for the situation at hand. Unfortunately, only a couple pages are spent on the stage I'm primarily at: processing/inventorying existing collections (see pp. 31-33).

Still, all in all, an invaluable resource, especially for smaller archives.

[Matthew Behnke · Rating 5 out of 5]

With The Lone Arranger, Christina Zamon succeeds in doing the unthinkable in academic publishing; writing a practical and usable book. Before reading this book, I had not defined myself as a "Lone Arranger," in fact, I thought, because I do not work in an official archive, that I am not an archivist at all. This all changed after reading Zamon's book.

Skillfully, the author covers all the major issues an archivist needs to go-it-alone in a small repository, creating policy, appraising and processing collections, digitization, budgeting, etc., etc. This is accomplished with case studies from real archives on how these tasks are accomplished.

I have come away from this book feeling less alone and more empowered to do the work I need to do.

Bravo!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent tips for those working alone or with few other people, or for starting an archives. The electronic records chapter is well-organized and prompts a number of questions to ask when exploring different systems.

[Julie Botnick]

Really great, practical overview for anyone working in a small scale repository or starting a archive from scratch.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent overview of work in a small repository, with many tips that would be helpful for a new archivist in any position. I liked the focus on adjusting ideal standards and practices to the reality of no money, no staff, and no time. Because it tries to cover everything, some sections are really just a general overview, but the well crafted bibliography and lists of resources are good supplements. The case studies were a great addition!

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource that I will revisit quite frequently while I am working on establishing an archive and continuing to expand it in the future. It has given me inspiration to work on not only current physical collections, but also work with digital collections in the future. I highly recommend this book to all aspiring and new professionals even those who feel a need for a refresher.

[Dan Mccormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent work for professionals and anyone who has sole responsibility for taking care of collections. Christina covers a wide range of issues and challenges facing the lone arranger and leaves the reader feeling encouraged and empowered. Well-written and highly incisive, it is highly recommended.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book for the lonely archivist--especially those like me who have sort of ended up with a job they are not exactly trained for (but love). It covers pretty much everything you want to know clearly and concisely, and provides some helpful case histories and a lot of useful websites.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource - covers all the bases with a realistic tone, gives voice to the common sense colleague that lone arrangers don't have. I will definitely be referring to this again.

[Collette Mcdonough · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great if you need a beginners guide to archives. I think all small archives and museums should have a copy of this book. It is a great starting off point to better our historical collections.

[ACRL]

Read by ACRL Member of the Week Sara Shutkin. Learn more about Sara on the ACRL Insider blog.

[Margot Note]

Read for review in College & Research Libraries