Preservation of Catholic Materials
Computer Applications for Religious Archives Workshop
Archivists use computer applications to organize, manage, and make accessible their collections. Although there are many software programs available for purchase and recently archive administration programs that can be used without cost, these tools do not allow the archivist to shape the program according to local needs. Furthermore they are designed to be used by larger repositories.
The Catholic Library Association’s sponsorship of this new workshop demonstrates the organization’s commitment to broaden archival training programs. Participants at the two Introduction to Archives Workshop for Religious Communities in 2007, voiced the need for educational programs utilizing database software programs. The June workshop at Benedictine University responds to this request. Microsoft Access 2003, a database program will be highlighted and used for organizing personnel records and creating inventory control mechanisms and finding aids. Participants will also be trained in Photoshop Elements, a software program focusing on preserving and making available digital images. By addressing these two facets of archival management, the archivist can readily apply these programs to existing collections.
Participants should be familiar with the principles of the Access software program in order for the program to be valuable. The workshop will be taught by Mr. George Rumsey of Computer Resource Center of Chicago, IL. George is a veteran computer educator and is experienced in applying Access to a variety of applications. The Claretian Missionaries Archives database will provide users with ready made examples and applications for: personnel and ministry database creation, inventory control and application. Training in Photoshop Elements and digitization will round out the program. Participants will receive a flash drive with database examples and a manual for Access.
Cancellation policy: A non-refundable deposit of $75 is required to reserve a place for the workshop. Registration deadline and final payment due date is April 21, 2008. The Workshop fee minus the $75 deposit may be refunded if cancellation is made prior to April 21, 2008. There will be no refunds after April 21, 2008.
As of April 7, 2008 this workshop is filled. To be waitlisted please complete the reigstration form below and mail or fax it to:
Catholic Library Association
100 North Street, Suite 224
Pittsfield, MA 01201-5109
Fax 413-442-2CLA
No depost is required to be waitlisted.
2008 Archives Workshop Schedule & Registration Packet
CLA's Introductory Archives Workshops for Religious Communities a Success!
The Catholic Library Association successfully completed two Introductory Archives Workshop for Religious Communities at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Snows in Belleville, IL from July 15-20 and the Malvern Retreat House in Malvern, PA from October 7-12. The workshops introduced novice archivists to archival theory and practice as well as updating seasoned archivists to changes in the field. The seventy participants came from 64 religious communities. The workshop is one phase of the Catholic Library Association’s commitment to foster the preservation and protection of United States Catholic materials. By educating archivists of religious communities, individuals will be trained to save and make accessible materials reflecting the religious charism and work of their communities for future generations.
Malachy R. McCarthy, Province Archivist of the Claretian Missionaries Archives in Chicago and Ellen Pierce, Director of the Maryknoll Mission Archives in New York directed the workshop. At the closing session at Belleville, IL, Jennifer Younger, Director of the Notre Dame Libraries outlined the progress of the CRRA – Catholic Research Resources Alliance – a collaborative effort by United States Catholic Colleges and Universities to provide direct access to Catholic research materials via the web site www.catholicresearch.net. Visits to St Louis’ Midwest Jesuit Archives, Society of the Sacred Heart, and Ursuline Central Province Archives and Greater Philadelphia’s American Province Archives of the Sisters of the Holy Child of Jesus in Rosemont, PA and the Archives of Old St Joseph Church in Philadelphia provided tours and gave participants the opportunity to view well-established archival programs. The American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia graciously offered their row house in the city’s historic district for an evening dinner after an October afternoon of touring.
The response to these initial programs has been overwhelming, and attracted archivists from 33 states, Newfoundland, Canada and Chile. A waiting list already exists for our 2009 Introductory Archival Workshop for Religious which will be held at Malvern in June. If you want to attend and put your name on the waiting list, please complete the registration form below. No deposit is required to be wait-listed.
2009 Archives Workshop, Malvern Preliminary Registration Form
