Intro to Archives

6-Week Course Starts MAR 10, 2025

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"This course did a wonderful job at providing an introduction to handling archives. Perfect balance of hands on practical issues and the theory behind what is considered best practice today. "

- Eveline Ferretti, Public Program and Communication Administrator, Ithaca, NY

Course Description:

What are archives, and how is caring for them different from library or museum work? What does it mean to be an archivist? 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 retained, how to organize them, and how to connect preservation efforts to the processing and storage of collections. The course will address basic physical processing of archival collections, including identifying, arranging, and storing materials, as well as creating tools for access and the importance of maintaining intellectual control.


" I had zero experience with archives going into this class, and it helped me to better understand the concepts, methods, and organizational structure for an archive. I would highly recommend this class if you are interested in learning more about archives but do not want to take a college course. The structure of the course and the information I learned was the perfect amount in my opinion."

- Kelley Woolley, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Library and Archive, Escondido, CA

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the role of the archivist
  • Understand core archival principles and practices: collection development, appraisal, arrangement and description, legal/ethical issues, and access
  • Learn methodologies for organizing records
  • Identify actions that will prevent and slow down deterioration of records and learn to spot problems
  • Create access tools such as finding aids and inventories to help your users locate what they need


Total Course Hours: 15 Hours/ 1.5 CEUs

"It was worth the money and time spent in the class. I loved the pace and how she provided a guided notes handout. I printed out all the articles because they were so knowledgeable and relevant to the field and the roles of archivist. I have a wealth of resources to use while I tackle my new archival project."

- Jasmine Wilkins, Reference Librarian, Eustis, FL

Your Instructor


Kelly Kress
Kelly Kress

Kelly Kress is an archivist with over fifteen years of experience working with personal papers and institutional records. Currently, she is Senior Accessioning Archivist at the Huntington Library in San Marino, CA. As an independent consultant, she has assisted both individuals, non-profit groups, and institutions. Previously, Kelly worked as an archivist at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, UCLA Library Special Collections, Chicago's Newberry Library, and the Southern Folklife Collection at UNC-Chapel Hill. She holds a Master of Arts in Public History with an Archives concentration from North Carolina State University. She is a member of the Society of American Archivists and volunteers with the Society of California Archivists as a member of the Records Management Task Force.


"This course covered a lot of information in a short time period and included thought provoking material to read and discuss. Highly recommend for those interested in archival science."

- Beth Kelly, Music Cataloger Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
This course starts on MAR 10, 2025.
It is an asynchronous online course designed to be completed in 6 weeks.
Participants will spend approximately 2.5 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 enrollment?
Enrollment ends on Friday MAR 07, 2025
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 offer a 14-day refund (from the day the course starts) on all asynchronous courses. Send your refund request to [email protected].

"This is a surprisingly robust introduction to the main topics pertaining to archives and archivists. Its rich range of materials and resources, as well as the different pedagogical approaches (readings, video lectures, discussion boards) provide for an engaging learning experience. Highly recommended for anyone wanting an informed first look into how archives work and what the key concerns are today."

- Monika Gagnon, University Professor, Montreal, Canada

Please Send Me a Reminder Before Enrollment Closes

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