MLA Archivist Annual Report 2022

submitted by Christina Taylor Gibson

Current Roster

  • Christina Taylor Gibson, archivist

List of Previous Goals and Progress Made

  1. Continue to learn the collection so that I can better serve researchers and members. (Organizational Excellence, Membership Inclusion)
    • I have responded to several reference requests, which have allowed me to get to know the collection better. Particularly the request for information about prizes awarded by MLA has forced me to navigate the collections in creative ways. It has also revealed some of the weaknesses in the collection’s organization.
  2. Oversee processing of new materials as SCPA returns to full functionality. (Organizational Excellence)
    • This continues to be a struggle, as the rules around new electronic accessions from UMD change frequently due to continual backlogs. I am working with John Davis to advocate for clearer standards and communication. Paper acquisitions are moving along smoothly, but we have fewer and fewer of those.
  3. Consult with SCPA and MLA stakeholders about the possibility of a regular field study partnership. (Organizational Excellence, Membership Inclusion)
    • Field study plan was approved by the board. I am currently shaping the detail. We anticipate having our first student in place by the end of January 2023.

List of Future Goals

  1. Put Field Study pilot program in place and shepherd first student through.
    • The Field Study aligns with Objectives 2.1 – 2.4 because it provides mentorship and training to emerging archivists and librarians. If we are able to expand the applicant pool beyond UMD, it will only increase our effectiveness in these areas. We are currently exploring that possibility (but that would be after this first round).
    • It also aligns with Objective 3.7, as it allows additional pathways into MLA involvement for students who may not have otherwise considered affiliation with the organization.
    • The work accomplished through the field study will make the records more accessible, in line with Objective 3.5.
  2. Continue to solicit donations from MLA members and promote the collections.
    • Aligns with Objective 2.6, as it helps MLA construct a narrative about the organization and what it does for members.
    • Aligns with Objective 3.5 as good records create transparency and make the organization’s history accessible.