What is an archivist???

In this county, our archivist is an eighty year old widow who performs her work for no money and as a complete labor of love. She labors, almost daily, and with very help. Her appeal for help from me was a result of my mentioning my love of genealogy and past librarian career.

The county powers that be have arranged to move the archivist repository from the basement of the county morgue to another and hopefully more pleasant location. She was anticipating the physical part of the move and was hoping that I would help her.

Of course, I will.

According to the American Society of Archivists,"The primary task of the archivist is to establish and maintain control, both physical and intellectual, over records of enduring value. Archivists select records, a process that requires an understanding of the historical context in which the records were created, the uses for which they were intended, and their relationships to other sources. The archivist then arranges and describes the records, in accordance with accepted standards and practices; ensures the long-term preservation of collections; assists researchers; and plans and directs exhibitions, publications, and other outreach programs to broaden the use of collections and to enlist support for archival programs. All archivists, especially those with administrative responsibilities, need to understand and apply the principles of sound management to their work."