General Considerations
Historical records are cultural resources,
essential for remembering our past and guiding our future.
These records furnish primary documentary evidence of
heritage and culture through succeeding generations.
Whether located in a large government repository, a
research university, a small public library, a church,
a community organization, or a local historical society,
historical records document the lives and times of Kentucky’s
people.
Kentucky’s historical records
provide irreplaceable documentation of the commonwealth
and its place in the cultural heritage of the United
States. The story of Kentucky’s unique role in
the nation’s history -- the “dark and bloody
ground;” the gateway to the western frontier;
in the South but not of it, as a border state in the
Civil War; the Appalachian experience; coal mines and
tobacco fields; and current leaders in educational and
government reform – is told in historical records.
Kentucky’s State Historical Records
Advisory Board (SHRAB) works toward improved preservation
and use of these documentary sources, so that historical
records will be available to all in the new millennium
and beyond. Likewise, the SHRAB plans for future generations,
so that records being created now, in computer systems,
electronic mail, and on the Internet, will be available
in the future.
Values
In its work on behalf of historical
records, the SHRAB espouses the following values:
Collaboration
We believe that statewide communication
and collaboration are fundamental in preserving and
providing access to historical records. Through working
together in a cooperative spirit, we can ensure the
preservation of a historical record that reflects the
diversity of Kentucky’s people and communities.
Stewardship
We believe that historical records
repositories must operate in conformity to the highest
legal, ethical, and professional standards in order
to fulfill their long term responsibility to preserve
records for future generations.
Access
We believe that archival collections
should be widely available and accessible, through a
variety of traditional and non-traditional avenues,
at minimal cost to the user.
Outreach and Advocacy
We believe that the quality of archival
programs is directly related to the quality of public
and institutional support. Archivists should build and
maintain strong lines of communication with the general
public and should provide on-going education and public
awareness programs.
Continuous Improvement
We value the opportunities for continuous
improvement in the management of historical records
and documentary evidence provided by emerging technology,
systematic organizational review, and new initiatives.
Vision
In order to preserve and make accessible
the documentary heritage of the state, we envision a
future for Kentucky in which:
Objective
1: Develop and share information about the importance
of historical records and the issues involved in their
care and use.
Action:
Create a coordinated public awareness campaign.
Action:
Coordinate Annual Archives Week in Kentucky.
Action:
Produce a video promoting the importance of Kentucky
historical records.
Action:
Make the SHRAB web site a central point of archival
content in Kentucky, and encourage links from other
sites.
Action:
Collaborate with other groups interested in historical
records, including the Kentucky Council on Archives,
the Kentucky Library Association, and the Kentucky
Association of Museums.
Objective
2: Increase the use of historical records at all educational
levels and by the general public.
Action:
Identify, sponsor, and promote workshops on research
in historical records.
Action:
Design a plan to encourage teachers to use primary
source materials.
Action:
Collaborate with groups working on curriculum development.
Action:
Cooperate to form a clearinghouse of information
for teachers about using primary source materials
in the curriculum.
Objective
3: Increase funding for historical records programs.
Action:
Provide e-mail alerts about funding issues and opportunities,
especially those that involve government action.
Action:
Work with resource allocators so they understand
the relationship of historical records to cultural
tourism.
Objective
1: Serve as a catalyst to create opportunities for
training and continuing education.
Action:
Identify, sponsor, and promote education and training
for staff of institutions with historical records,
including training from SAA, SOLINET, and AASLH.
Action:
Facilitate communication, coordination, and collaboration
among those who provide training to archivists,
curators, and librarians with historical records
responsibilities.
Objective
2: Promote awareness of issues and possible solutions
in managing electronic records, audiovisual records,
and other special media.
Action:
Initiate discussions with interested groups, leading
to a forum on electronic records issues
Action:
Provide links to pertinent web sites on the SHRAB
web page.
Objective
1: Use the strategic planning process to implement
the work of the SHRAB.
Action:
Implement strategic plan.
Action:
Evaluate plan annually.
Objective
2: Seek financial resources to increase the effectiveness
of Kentucky’s historical records programs.
Action:
Apply to NHPRC for funds to support Board administration.
Action:
Increase the number of grant applications from Kentucky
institutions to NHPRC.
Action:
Explore the possibility of an requirements for beginning
a re-grant program.
