Articles

Genealogists and Records: Preservation, Advocacy, and Politics

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Abstract

Drastic budget cuts and insufficient political heft can leave archives with insufficient resources. This article argues that genealogists can be influential political allies for archives in this tough fiscal climate. Archivists who cultivate family historians as patrons may be able to call on genealogists' advocacy with politicians; their voluntary labor for better records access; and their financial support for the archive. By examining several successful collaborations between archival repositories and genealogists, the article provides specific suggestions for ways for archivists to build cooperative and mutually productive relationships with family historians.

How to Cite:

McKay, A. C., (2002) “Genealogists and Records: Preservation, Advocacy, and Politics”, Archival Issues 27(1), 23–33. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/archivalissues.10909