Capuchin Archives in Detroit, Michigan USA (MARA Webcast)

Not all archivists work in a library or academic setting, but they all face similar challenges—lack of necessary staff and resources. In this presentation, you’ll learn how one lone archivist transformed a religious archives in Detroit that had no computerized records, relevant finding aids, inventory of holdings, or open reading room into a responsive reference center for both religious and secular patrons. You will learn how she and her team of 1 part-time staff person, 2 volunteers, and 1 friar work with paper-based archival materials including council meetings, land deeds, and friar personal files as well as saint relics, artifacts, and audio-visual items. The methods described to bring order to chaos are adaptable to large and small archives in any setting. Access the captioned version of this webcast at https://youtu.be/2NTkeAjM3Wg