Intro to Archives

6-Week Course Starts March 15, 2021

This course is currently not open for enrollment. Click here to be notified when enrollment opens.

Course Fee: $225.00 USD

Course Description:

This course provides an overview of sound archival practices and the long-term care of permanent records. Participants will learn how to determine what records should be archived and how to connect preservation efforts to the processing and storage of collections. Basic physical processing of archival collections -- proper ways to identify, prepare and store materials -- as well as evaluating the records for preservation concerns will be covered The importance of maintaining intellectual control of materials, including the creation of finding aids, will be emphasized. Quizzes and written assignments will allow participants to put their new-found knowledge to use immediately.


Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the role of the archivist
  • Learn how to make appraisal decisions
  • Discover how to organize records
  • Identify necessary actions that will prevent and slow down deterioration of records
  • Create tools to help your users locate what they need from the collection
  • Construct a finding aid
  • Compose a reference policy for access

Note: This course is designed for individual participation; each individual must register.


Your Instructor


Kelly Kress
Kelly Kress

Kelly Kress is an archivist with over fifteen years of experience working with personal papers and institutional records. As an independent consultant, she has assisted both individuals and institutions. For the past three years she was the Assistant Archivist at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where she was responsible for the majority of archival processing. Previously, Kelly worked as Processing Archivist at UCLA Library Special Collections, Senior Project Archivist at the Newberry, and Archives Assistant in the Southern Folklife Collection at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Kelly holds a Master of Arts in Public History with an Archives concentration from North Carolina State University. She is an active member of the Society of American Archivists Performing Arts Section, and volunteers with the Los Angeles Archivists Collective.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
This course starts on March 15, 2021.
It is an asynchronous online course designed to be completed in 6 weeks.
Participants will spend approximately 2 hours each week on viewing lectures, answering quizzes and completing discussion, reading, and written assignments.
It is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.
When is the last day for registration?
Friday, March 12th.
Will the instructor be available for feedback and questions?
Absolutely! Your instructor will provide feedback for each assignment and will be available via email or phone for any questions you may have. A discussion forum is also available where participants can post questions.
How long do I have access to the course material?
You will have unlimited access for 3 months from the start date of this course.
Will I receive a Certificate of Completion?
In order to receive a Certificate of Completion you must complete the following each week:

1. View all video lectures

2. Answer all quizzes

3. Complete all assignments

When you complete these three items you can expect to receive your certificate within 2 weeks.
I am having trouble enrolling. Help!
We're sorry to hear this. Here are some options:
1. Try enrolling with a different browser or with a different device (laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc.)
2. Email us at [email protected] for an invoice. This will be emailed to you and you can pay through the link provided in the invoice.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 14 days and we will give you a full refund.

Course enrollment opening soon.