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Date Permissions Signed

8-17-2011

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

Jimerson, Randall C.

Second Advisor

Kurtz, Tony, 1965-

Third Advisor

Steele, Ruth Catherine

Abstract

This thesis identifies an urgent need for new archival outreach methods that encourage younger audiences to use archival materials at all stages of their lives. In Chapter One, the author argues that traditional archival outreach methods fail to produce an adult population that is "archives literate" regarding the nature and myriad uses of archival materials. As a result, archives lack the social and cultural place that is enjoyed by their sister institutions: libraries and museums. This suggests that new outreach methods are needed, and Chapter Two explores some innovative, existing programs that target young people by getting them to use archives in educational arenas. In Chapter Three, the author outlines a framework consisting of six criteria to be considered during the design and implementation of new educational programs. The framework is applicable to institutions of all sizes and scopes. The thesis concludes by identifying challenges for further research into the area of educational outreach, as well as this author's hopes for the future of archival literacy among individuals of all ages.

Type

Text

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25710/mzen-b517

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

301754003

Subject – LCSH

Archives and education--United States; Archives--United States--Marketing; Outreach programs in history--United States

Geographic Coverage

United States

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this thesis for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.

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