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The Lone Arranger: Succeeding in a Small Repository
For many, old photo albums, letters, yearbooks, and diaries aren’t merely memorabilia that can be stashed in an attic. Rather, these items are to be savored—they provide clues to the past and connect us to people, even those we’ll never have the chance to meet. These collectibles deserve to be preserved and made accessible to a wider audience because they have historical value. Same goes for business correspondence, meeting minutes, and annual reports. If you are a “lone arranger”—the only one responsible for such activity at your organization—then you need to know how best to manage your archives.
In The Lone Arranger: Succeeding in a Small Repository, Christina Zamon gives newcomers and seasoned archivists alike guidance on how to manage historical collections with limited human resources. Zamon, who is the head of Archives and Special Collections at Emerson College in Boston, offers practical tips to address a range of topics, from effectively utilizing the new advances in technology to manage your collections to donor relations and fundraising , disaster preparedness, records management, and managing volunteers.
In addition, a dozen archivists representing diverse backgrounds, institutional settings, and geographic locations offer case studies that discuss the challenges they faced when they found themselves responsible for the full spectrum of archives work with limited or no paid staff to assist.
Whether you’re the archivist in a one-person shop or manage a collection at home, you’ll find yourself in good company with Zamon’s sound advice on preserving priceless collectibles and historical materials for generations to come.
In The Lone Arranger: Succeeding in a Small Repository, Christina Zamon gives newcomers and seasoned archivists alike guidance on how to manage historical collections with limited human resources. Zamon, who is the head of Archives and Special Collections at Emerson College in Boston, offers practical tips to address a range of topics, from effectively utilizing the new advances in technology to manage your collections to donor relations and fundraising , disaster preparedness, records management, and managing volunteers.
In addition, a dozen archivists representing diverse backgrounds, institutional settings, and geographic locations offer case studies that discuss the challenges they faced when they found themselves responsible for the full spectrum of archives work with limited or no paid staff to assist.
Whether you’re the archivist in a one-person shop or manage a collection at home, you’ll find yourself in good company with Zamon’s sound advice on preserving priceless collectibles and historical materials for generations to come.
157 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 20, 2017
I'm quite thankful for this book. Some months ago, my denomination's archivist withdrew from the position, and I've managed to find myself overseeing the denomination's archives (having previously been the most avid and frequent user thereof anyway). Needless to say, though, I have no particular training and background in the field.
So I thought I'd start with this, which of all the relevant literature is perhaps the most finely tuned to my situation: a solitary archivist (or 'lone arranger,' which Zamon says is "an unusual, yet not uncommon position" [5]), who must perform triage on many tasks with essentially no budget whereof to speak. And in that, it's a helpful and relevant introduction to archival principles and practice - with (and this is key!) gracious modifications for the situation at hand. Unfortunately, only a couple pages are spent on the stage I'm primarily at: processing/inventorying existing collections (see pp. 31-33).
Still, all in all, an invaluable resource, especially for smaller archives.
So I thought I'd start with this, which of all the relevant literature is perhaps the most finely tuned to my situation: a solitary archivist (or 'lone arranger,' which Zamon says is "an unusual, yet not uncommon position" [5]), who must perform triage on many tasks with essentially no budget whereof to speak. And in that, it's a helpful and relevant introduction to archival principles and practice - with (and this is key!) gracious modifications for the situation at hand. Unfortunately, only a couple pages are spent on the stage I'm primarily at: processing/inventorying existing collections (see pp. 31-33).
Still, all in all, an invaluable resource, especially for smaller archives.
February 14, 2018
With The Lone Arranger, Christina Zamon succeeds in doing the unthinkable in academic publishing; writing a practical and usable book. Before reading this book, I had not defined myself as a "Lone Arranger," in fact, I thought, because I do not work in an official archive, that I am not an archivist at all. This all changed after reading Zamon's book.
Skillfully, the author covers all the major issues an archivist needs to go-it-alone in a small repository, creating policy, appraising and processing collections, digitization, budgeting, etc., etc. This is accomplished with case studies from real archives on how these tasks are accomplished.
I have come away from this book feeling less alone and more empowered to do the work I need to do.
Bravo!
Skillfully, the author covers all the major issues an archivist needs to go-it-alone in a small repository, creating policy, appraising and processing collections, digitization, budgeting, etc., etc. This is accomplished with case studies from real archives on how these tasks are accomplished.
I have come away from this book feeling less alone and more empowered to do the work I need to do.
Bravo!
February 8, 2020
Excellent tips for those working alone or with few other people, or for starting an archives. The electronic records chapter is well-organized and prompts a number of questions to ask when exploring different systems.
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August 17, 2023Really great, practical overview for anyone working in a small scale repository or starting a archive from scratch.
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May 13, 2026I read the 2024 version of this book (now titled “Alone in the Stacks”), which is not on goodreads yet
June 4, 2015
An excellent overview of work in a small repository, with many tips that would be helpful for a new archivist in any position. I liked the focus on adjusting ideal standards and practices to the reality of no money, no staff, and no time. Because it tries to cover everything, some sections are really just a general overview, but the well crafted bibliography and lists of resources are good supplements. The case studies were a great addition!
October 14, 2012
This is an excellent resource that I will revisit quite frequently while I am working on establishing an archive and continuing to expand it in the future. It has given me inspiration to work on not only current physical collections, but also work with digital collections in the future. I highly recommend this book to all aspiring and new professionals even those who feel a need for a refresher.
July 12, 2013
Really excellent work for professionals and anyone who has sole responsibility for taking care of collections. Christina covers a wide range of issues and challenges facing the lone arranger and leaves the reader feeling encouraged and empowered. Well-written and highly incisive, it is highly recommended.
September 14, 2012
The perfect book for the lonely archivist--especially those like me who have sort of ended up with a job they are not exactly trained for (but love). It covers pretty much everything you want to know clearly and concisely, and provides some helpful case histories and a lot of useful websites.
March 2, 2013
An excellent resource - covers all the bases with a realistic tone, gives voice to the common sense colleague that lone arrangers don't have. I will definitely be referring to this again.
June 11, 2016
Great if you need a beginners guide to archives. I think all small archives and museums should have a copy of this book. It is a great starting off point to better our historical collections.
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October 20, 2014Read by ACRL Member of the Week Sara Shutkin. Learn more about Sara on the ACRL Insider blog.
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April 26, 2012Read for review in College & Research Libraries
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews