Security in Archives and Manuscript Repositories

Archival theft continues to be big business! News of archival theft is no longer restricted to professional literature, but appears all too frequently in the mainstream media. What is stolen? Who steals? How can you fight back? This workshop explores all of these issues in depth through lectures, case studies, exercises, and discussion.

On the first day, examine the problem: look at facility design and reading room management, including essential procedures, identification, patron deportment, and more. Explore collection management—including methods of document and artifact identification, basic prevention procedures, post-theft response, and the three levels of cultural collection protection. Conclude with a group discussion.

On the second day, participate in exercises and group discussion to explore security program, policy design, and insider theft. In the afternoon learn more about advanced technology, how to work with vendors and contractors, and exhibition security, including lending artifacts and records to other repositories. The workshop concludes with an assessment of actions to lobby for changes, public relations and dealing with the media, and working with donors and trustees.