Reading Response 4: Patricia J Rettig on Outreach in Archives

The article “An Integrative Approach to Archival Outreach: A Case Study of Becoming Part of the Constituents' Community,” written by Patricia J Rettig, an archivist at Colorado State University’s Water Resource Archives, and published in 2008.  In this article, Rettig discusses the importance of conducting archival outreach by entering spheres already occupied by potential patrons.  Instead of having the patron attend a special outreach event, Rettig values a more proactive approach.

One method suggested by Rettig is the participation in subject-based conferences that relate to a subject matter documented in the archival repository, either through the giving of a formal presentation or by showcasing an exhibit or display.  Rettig stresses the importance of brochures and business cards, so that potential future patrons can obtain contact information or other basic information about the repository.  Using conferences solely as an opportunity to network and make personal contacts with potential.

In addition, Rettig suggests arranging one-on-one meetings with specialists in a field related to the subject nature documented in the archives.  The use of newsletters and website features as outreach tools is also discussed.

I found Rettig’s discussion to be both intriguing and realistic.  While many archivists approach outreach by creating special events that potential patrons must plan to attend, Rettig emphasizes the importance of making connections with potential users in the course of their natural setting and course of business.  Rettig finds that this approach can help reach a wider base of patrons.  And, while Rettig is approach these suggestion from the context of a subject-specific repository, institutional repository archivists could also find many opportunities to heed these suggestions in their own circumstances.

Rettig, Patricia J. (2007) An Integrative Approach to Archival Outreach: A Case Study of Becoming Part of the Constituents' Community. Journal of Archival Organization v.5 (3). p 31-46.