October Is American Archives Month!
Dear Colleague:
This 2008 American Archives Month Public Relations Kit provides basic materials that will give every archivist the opportunity to
make his or her archives program more visible… and more appreciated. In fact, although this kit is developed especially for American
Archives Month, I encourage you to consider using its suggestions year round to increase the visibility of your repository – whether to
external or internal audiences. We hope that your state, regional organization, or repository will be stimulated by the ideas and tips
presented here (and in supplementary materials on the SAA website) to schedule an event, issue a press release, set up
a media prospect list, or take some other step—however small—toward enhancing public awareness of your capabilities. [Read more of this message from SAA President Mark Greene.]
- Picture This! Contest
- A Baker’s Dozen:
13 Ideas for Reaching Out to Your Community
- Communication Planning 101
- Say What? Talking Points on the Value of Archives
Supplementary Materials:
What Is An Archives? (PDF)
Download this two-page article, print multiple copies (preferably on a color printer), and make it available to young people who visit your repository. Or take it with you to distribute to students on your next career day visit!
Event Planning Guide (PDF)
Turn to this Guide for tips on Organizing Your American Archives Month Event, a Comprehensive Checklist for Planning Your Event, and a Sample Media Relations Timeline.
Sample Press Release (PDF)
Sample Proclamation (PDF)
Sample Proclamation Request Letter (PDF)
Tips for Media Interviews (PDF)
So you’re going to be interviewed? See these tips for preparing for your interview and getting your point across.
Creating and Maintaining Good Media Relations (PDF)
You and your institution may already have developed relationships with one or more reporters as
part of your repository’s outreach efforts. If so, American Archives Month is another opportunity
to take advantage of your contacts.
How To Know If Something Is Newsworthy (PDF)
If you’d like to pitch a news story or interview to a particular editor or reporter, it helps if you’ve thought through why your story is newsworthy….
Lasting Impressions:
Care of Traditional Photographs (PDF)
Photographs increasingly are viewed as important resources for unique information about many
facets of public and private life, as well as the natural world and the built environment. Whether
your repository houses vast collections of photos or just a few “treasures,” here are some tips from
the experts on care of traditional photographs.
See How Your Colleagues Celebrated the American Record in 2006 and 2007
- October 2007
- October 2006
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