Month: August 2019

Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council Solicits Sub-Grant Applications

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The Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council (GHRAC) seeks to enrich the culture and protect the rights of Georgians by fostering activities that identify, preserve, and provide access to the State’s documentary heritage. Using funds awarded to the University of Georgia Libraries and the Georgia Archives by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), GHRAC is offering grants up to $5,000 to local historical repositories in Georgia to develop and/or implement projects to identify, preserve, and provide access to historical records.  Any size local historical repository with permanently valuable archival materials may apply.
Applications may be submitted August 29-October 1, 2019.  The 2019 GHRAC Historical Records Grants Application guidelines can be found at https://www.georgiaarchives.org/ghrac.
A historical repository is defined as a non-profit or government organization/institution that houses, preserves, and provides access to historical documents on a regularly scheduled basis. This may be a local government, historical society, library, museum, or similar organization. The archival collections of the applying institution must be available, without charge, to the public on a regularly scheduled basis. Recipients of grant awards must provide a minimum one-to-ten ($1 for $10) match of grant funds requested. The match may be met through cash and or in-kind contributions. Greater than one-to-ten matches are encouraged, but not required.
If the applicant is a local government, it must provide proof of compliance with OCGA § 50-18-99 by supplying a records management resolution/ordinance and the name of the records management officer. If the organization does not have a records management resolution, development and passage of this resolution must be included in the project’s description and completed by the end of the grant period.  If a non-profit organization, it must be registered and in active status with the GA Office of Secretary of State. Grants of up to $5,000 each are available to local governments and non-profit repositories in Georgia to develop and/or implement projects to identify, preserve, and provide access to historical records. There is a total of $28,000 available for these grants.
Questions about the grant application process or project administration may be sent to Christopher M. Davidson, J.D., University System of Georgia Assistant Vice-Chancellor/State Archivist, Georgia Archives at christopher.davidson@usg.edu.
Eligible projects must identify, organize, and/or improve access to historical records. Eligible expenditures include shelving; archival file folders and/or boxes; dehumidifiers; humidifiers; analog monitors; photo sleeves; HEPA vacuum cleaners; hiring consultants to identify needs and priorities for improving the organization, description, preservation and access to collections; contracting services such as reproduction services; etc. Eligible activities include rehousing collections, adding collections to an online catalog, scanning collections, or creating an online database or websites designed to support access to researchers (e.g., online catalogs, finding aids, and digitized collections, rather than curated web exhibits), etc.
GHRAC will review and evaluate all eligible applications received by October 1, 2019.  Complete applications, which include all requested information, will be reviewed by a GHRAC committee which will submit its recommendations to GHRAC for approval.  Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with some preference given to underserved communities.  Applicants will be notified of GHRAC’s decisions by October 14, 2019.  Grant recipients will receive a grant acceptance agreement by November 12, 2019, which should be signed and returned by December 12, 2019.  All grant recipients must complete and sign an agreement with the University System of Georgia before beginning a grant project. Grant projects can begin once the grantee receives the signed and executed contract.  Final invoices for grant reimbursements should be submitted by recipient entities by March 1, 2020.
In determining whether an applicant shall receive a grant, some of the criteria that GHRAC will consider are the following: Does the project identify, preserve and/or make accessible records significant to Georgia’s history? Does the project utilize sound archival practices? Are the proposed activities and expenditures appropriate and cost-effective? Does the proposal adhere to grant project application requirements and does it contain sufficient information for GHRAC decision-making? Is the financial information submitted realistic and accurate? In general, is the application meeting the mission, goals, and objectives of GHRAC?

Oral histories from Georgian WWII veterans now freely available online

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“This unique project shone a light on the special men and women who sacrificed themselves for all Americans

and continues to be a valuable historical resource for researchers, family, and friends of the veterans.”

Aug. 15, 2019
CONTACT: Deborah Hakes, dhakes@georgialibraries.org

ATLANTA — Video recorded recollections from 50 World War II veterans originally from the Bainbridge, GA, area are now available online through YouTube and the Digital Library of Georgia. The interviews, which were originally captured on VHS and VHS-C tapes, were digitized as part of a summer student practicum program sponsored by Georgia HomePLACE, a unit of the Georgia Public Library Service, the Southwest Georgia Regional Library System, and the Clayton State University Master of Archival Studies program. 

The interviews preserve the experiences and history of WWII veterans and provide insight into the cultural and societal values in America between 1939-1945. The majority of veterans interviewed for the project have since passed away, making preservation all the more crucial.

“This unique project shone a light on the special men and women who sacrificed themselves for all Americans and continues to be a valuable historical resource for researchers, family, and friends of the veterans,” says Library Director Susan Whittle. “Responding to a request from an older community resident, SWGRL librarians & historians interviewed and videotaped many of the area’s “Greatest Generation” to share their war experiences and preserve them for posterity in our library and archives.” 

The World War II Veterans Project was an oral history initiative conducted by the Southwest Georgia Regional Library System from 1998-2008 with funding from The Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Trust. In 2002, the library received a National Award for Library Service from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, partly in recognition of the project’s success.

In order to preserve and improve access to these oral histories, the analog interviews were described, digitized, and uploaded to YouTube. They are additionally searchable within the Digital Library of Georgia. On average, each recording lasts 30 to 40 minutes and chronicles the interviewee’s age when drafted or enlisted, branch of service, and training. Interviewees recount the nature of their assignments and duties, and often the weapons or artillery used, the transport ships, trucks, trains, and planes; the countries in which they were stationed; and where applicable, the major battles in which they participated.  

Joshua Kitchens, Director of the Master of Archival Studies program at Clayton State, says, “Outside-of-the-classroom experiences, such as working with Georgia HomePLACE, help our students apply the knowledge and skills they’ve accumulated in their course work. It is invaluable that our students have these types of opportunities to gain firsthand experience. Partnerships like these also help our students give back to the larger community of institutions preserving Georgia’s memory.”

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Georgia HomePLACE encourages public libraries and related institutions across the state to participate in the Digital Library of Georgia. HomePLACE offers a highly collaborative model for digitizing primary source collections related to local history and genealogy. HomePLACE is a project of the Georgia Public Library Service, a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. HomePLACE is supported with federal Library Services and Technology Act funds administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Georgia Public Library Service.

The Clayton State University’s Master of Archival Studies (MAS) program prepares professionals for careers in government, businesses, and collecting archives. The program emphasizes digital archives and electronic records. Because the program concentrates on archives and records, it offers a more in-depth study than students would receive in a library, information science, or public history program. Its innovative blend of traditional archival knowledge with information technology responds to the need for professionals who understand contemporary records and record keeping systems. 

The Southwest Georgia Regional Library System serves the residents of Decatur, Miller, and Seminole Counties. The library system houses books, audiovisual materials, computers, genealogical resources, and more to serve the needs of the residents of the area. The Southwest Georgia Library for Accessible Services provides materials for blind and physically handicapped persons and serves a 22 county region in Southwest Georgia. We strive to provide the collections, reference services, and events that best serve the members of our community.

SGA Scholarship Applications Now Open

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The 2019 Society of Georgia Archivists Scholarship committee is proud to announce the opening of applications for the Larry Gulley Scholarship, the Taronda Spencer Award, and the Anthony R. Dees Education Workshop Scholarships. Please read below for more information about each scholarship and their corresponding due dates.
The Society of Georgia Archivists’ Larry Gulley Scholarship and the Taronda Spencer award both provide funding for registration to attend the 50th Anniversary Society of Georgia Archivists (SGA) annual meeting: Strong Roots, Stronger Branches: October 16-18, 2019 at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, Augusta, GA. The Society of Georgia Archivist has a vibrant and active scholarship program to enable students and archivists, to attend the Society of Georgia Archivists’ annual meeting and pre-conference workshop. These scholarships afford practitioners and students to attend such professional development opportunities that they may might not otherwise have the personal finances nor financial support from their institutions to attend.
Larry Gulley Scholarship: Applications Due: August 31, 2019
The scholarship will cover the following year’s membership dues, the meeting registration fee, a hotel room for two nights, and a maximum of $100 for other expenses incurred in attending the annual meeting. The registration fee for the successful scholarship applicant will be waived by the Society of Georgia Archivists, while other expenses will be reimbursed upon submission of a statement of expenses, with accompanying receipts, by December 1, 2019. Individuals may apply or be nominated by a supervisor or instructor. 
Eligible applicants must be:
·         Engaged in compensated or volunteer archival work at any level in an institution in the state of Georgia
·         SGA members employed outside the state of Georgia
·         Graduate students preparing for a career in archives at a college or university in Georgia
·         SGA student members studying outside the state of Georgia.
*Preferences will be given to applicants who do not have access to institutional support for attending the fall annual meeting.
To Apply: click here
Anthony R. Dees Education Workshop Scholarship: Applications Due September 7, 2019
This award includes a waived registration fee to attend either of the two scheduled 2019 SGA Pre-Conference Workshops: Introduction to ArchivesSpace, and Outreach and Exhibits. Recipients are responsible for submitting their workshop registration form by the registration deadline AND any travel fees associated with attending the workshop.
Eligible applicants must be:
·         Engaged in compensated or volunteer archival work at any level in an institution in the state of Georgia
·         SGA members employed outside the state of Georgia
·         Graduate students preparing for a career in archives at a college or university in Georgia
·         SGA student members studying outside the state of Georgia.
*Preferences will be given to applicants who do not have access to institutional support for attending the fall annual meeting.
To Apply for the Larry Gulley and Anthony Dees Scholarships Applicants must Submit:
o   Scholarship Application
o   Cover Letter
o   Resume
To Apply: click here
Taronda Spencer Award: Applications Due: September 21, 2019
The award includes complimentary registration to the SGA annual meeting, hotel registration, and $300 for travel expenses, for students currently enrolled as a junior or senior at an HBCU with a demonstrated interest in Archives or students of African-American, Asian/Pacific-Islander, Latino, or Native American descent currently enrolled in a graduate program with a component in archival studies. Applicants for the award may self-nominate or be nominated by others. Nominations should be sent to scholarships@soga.org.
·         To Apply Applicants must Submit:
o   Scholarship Application
o   Resume
o   Letter of Interest
§  Letters of interest must include the following information and supporting documentation:
      • Student’s current enrollment status
      • Statement describing their interest in a career in archives
o   Letter of recommendation from a faculty/staff member or archivist with personal knowledge of their interest.
To Apply: click here
To apply applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the digital application to avoid problems with postal delivery.
For more information regarding these scholarships, please contact: scholarships@soga.org

Recipient of Carroll Hart Scholarship Benefits from GAI Training

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By Ashley Shull,
Special Collections Coordinator at the Athens Regional Library System


About halfway through the instructional days of the Georgia Archives Institute, I blurted out, “I never thought to use a call slip!!” shaking my head with a negative, I can’t believe dumbfoundedness. These are the simple things I missed because I haven’t received formal training in archives. As a Library and Information Services graduate who now works as the Archives and Special Collections Coordinator at the Athens-Clarke County Library my knowledge of archives was tangential and more closely related to that of a user and interested librarian. The Institute was the one experience I needed in order to feel fully confident in my position.  Georgia Archives Institute provided me with confidence through interactive classroom instruction, which promoted an atmosphere of collegiality, and the best internship placement culminating in hands-on experience. 
Pamela Hackbart-Dean, Tina Seetoo, and Dorothy Waugh provided deep knowledge in a quick six days of instruction. Covering the basics, relating theory to practice, and bringing their expertise to the forefront enabled me to walk out of the Georgia Archives the first week fully saturated in theory and ideas, if not also a little bleary eyed, to bring back to my home institution. I was lucky to be assigned to the Auburn Avenue Research Library with Archives Manager Derek Mosley. Auburn Avenue was the best internship assignment for me. The opportunity to work within a special collection library at a public library system was invaluable. Derek welcomed my many questions about collections, processing, workflows, and management and answered them with expert grace. While peppering Derek with all of these questions I also processed and described a small collection of Georgia House Representatives member Lorenzo Benn’s papers. This collection was unique as it contained mostly correspondence from Rep. Benn’s time in office–he wrote many a thank you note and served on a variety of committees.
I also learned a great deal from my fellow Georgia Archives Institute participants. Even though many of us come from academic, public, and private institutions we connected on commonalities within our archives and shared experiences. Many conversations were had about the different levels of processing whether More Product, Less Process was better than Item Level–the consensus was, “it depends.”
Ultimately my time at GAI was the most informative, inspiring, and fun professional development experiences I’ve ever had. The professional relationships I have developed and the knowledge and resources learned will prove to be invaluable over my career. Thank you Society of Georgia Archivists and Georgia Archives Institute for this outstanding learning experience.