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Scientific Association Records Programs: A Beginner's Guide

Michele L. Aldrich, Ph.D.

American Association for the Advancement of Science
1200 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.

First Edition, 1995
Second Edition (electronic), 2001

[ PDF Version ]

Table of Contents

• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Why Bother with Records and Archives
  • Joint Committee on Archives of Science and Technology (JCAST) Report
  • AAAS's Experience
  • Affiliated Society Survey
  • Advantages of Records Management
• How to Set Up a Records Program
  • Functional Analysis
  • Records Survey
  • Appraisal
  • Creating and Activating Records Retention Schedules
• Association Activities and the Records They Create
  • Set Direction of the Association and the Discipline
  • Certify Scientists and Bestow Honors
  • Edit and Publish on Paper or Electronically
  • Convene Meetings
  • Advance Scientific Education
  • Advise Government and Voters on Scientific Issues
  • Certify Knowledge and Define Boundaries
  • Measure and Improve the Status of the Profession
  • Sustain the Institution
• Record Problems and Problem Records
  • E-mail
  • Regional, Topical, and Affiliate Group Records
  • Project Records/Grant and Contract Records
  • Sampling
• Disaster Recovery Planning
• Getting Help
• Further Readings
• Appendix A: Archive Policy at AAAS
• Appendix B: Sample Finding Aid
• Appendix C: Sample Records Transfer Forms
• Appendix D: Preparing Records for Transfer to the Archives
• About the Author

This report was supported in part by AAAS and in part by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (92-112)

The opinions herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the AAAS or the NHPRC.

Copyright 1995, 2001 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science