If the Three Rivers Archivists Museum Mixer held at the Mattress Factory museum on February 28 was a sign of things to come, then 2017 looks to be a promising year for TRA! The event succeeded in generating a wealth of suggestions and ideas for the organization moving forward, as well as provided a fun after-hours atmosphere to connect with colleagues and peers. Thank you to our generous hosts and all who were able to attend.
Below is a transcription of notes compiled on the “idea board” during our group discussion. While some of the suggestions are administrative, and others programmatic, many rely on TRA members taking the lead to move these ideas forward in 2017.
- Sharing resource and expertise on A/V stuff
- #amplify: Regional contact list by collection scope and collections
- Directory of TRA members and specializations if applicable
- Reading and writing groups, both in person and virtual (Skype, Google Hangouts, Slack). Volunteer topics and organize between members, not specially by “TRA”
- Tweet-ups, a la SAA, with other regional archivist cohorts as well as local groups
- Collaborative writing initiatives with potential to submit to MARAC, SAA, etc… for publication
- Grant writing discussions and meetups. Workshops to share tips and review drafts. Partnerships with programs like the CLP non-profit writing center.
- Pooling funds and resources to facilitate workshops, training, seminars, speakers, and space.
- DAS course – who wants what, and when?
- Informal sharing of projects and initiatives via lightening presentations or similar methods as a way to present and make visible ongoing projects.
- Archives “fair”
- Making TRA a platform/venue for students and new professionals
- Parties! to celebrate major projects (website announcements, happy hour announcements)
- Bring certified Archives exam to PGH
- Conference sharing: providing recaps of interesting experiences, sessions, exchanges for the benefit of the Pittsburgh community. MARAC, SAA, RRMS, DLF, MCN, etc…
- Website calendar of events (members are encourage to send contributions to the email)
- Wikipedia edit-a-thon focused on PGH content using area finding aids with educational component involved i.e. how to wiki.
- Lingo: exploring a common vocab, or, understanding different vernacular used in our repositories and projects.
- Informal sub-committees: Lone arrangers, Arts, Business, etc…
- Student mentorship
- Prizes! New people!
- Clear communication channels
- Public Archives show & tell for archives month to raise awareness and $$ for other events
- Accessibility / forum for professionals, part timers, volunteers, student workers, between jobbers, information professionals, etc…
- Participate in ischool resume sessions specifically for MLIS students
- External outreach for PGH archives and records stories, i.e. Records managers, legal records, business records, etc…
Three Rivers Archivists 