Organizing Archival Records

A Guide for Both Physical and Digital Collections

David W. Carmicheal, Adam T. Bentz (York County History Center)

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English

Rowman & Littlefield
08 January 2026

Library, archive & information management; Storage, maintenance & preservation of collections

Series: American Association for State and Local History

Much of our nation’s documentary heritage resides in small historical societies, libraries, cultural organizations, houses of worship, and museums. The preservation of this heritage often depends on the dedicated efforts of people who, in their workaday world, practice some profession other than archivist. For thirty years, Organizing Archival Records has equipped non-professional archivists to tackle the challenging task of arranging and describing archival materials. The latest edition preserves the practical, easy-to-follow, step-by-step approach of earlier editions while updating its content to reflect current archival practices and growing concerns over social justice, while offering solutions for common collection problems.

By: David W. Carmicheal
Other: Adam T. Bentz (York County History Center)
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: 5th edition
Dimensions: Height: 279mm, Width: 216mm,
ISBN: 9781538182383
ISBN 10: 1538182386
Series: American Association for State and Local History
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 08 January 2026
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Part I – Archival Organization Chpt. 1 – Archival Organization Fundamentals Chpt. 2 – Levels of Organization Chpt. 3 – Steps of Organization Part II – Digital Records and Finding Aids Chpt. 4 – Arrangement and Description of Digital Records Chpt. 5 – Organization and Sharing Tools Part III – Beyond Arrangement and Description Chpt. 6 – Don’t Panic!: Handling Unprocessed Collections and New Donations Chpt. 7 – Keeping a Proper Archive: Storage Conditions and Records Handling Chpt. 8 – Archives, DEAI, and Outreach Conclusion Examples Exercises and Answers Notes Bibliography Index

David W. Carmicheal formerly directed the Pennsylvania State Archives, the Georgia Department of Archives and History, and the Records and Archives Center. He established the Westchester County Archives. He has an M.A. in History and Archives. Adam T. Bentz is Director of Library & Archives at the York County History Center, is Vice President of the Pennsylvania Historical Association, and serves on the Pennsylvania State Historical Records Advisory Board. Bentz has an M.A. and Ph.D. in History.

Reviews for Organizing Archival Records: A Guide for Both Physical and Digital Collections

Organizing Archival Records provides the nuts and bolts of caring for historical records in one easy-to-follow volume. The main focus is on arranging and describing collections, handling digital records, outreach, and acquisitions. Filled with step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and short quizzes, the book is designed especially for anyone with responsibility for historical records, including staff members and volunteers of historical societies, libraries, and museums. Adam Bentz has updated the fifth edition of David Carmicheal’s iconic volume and provides a must-read for people working with both small and large collections. -- Kaye Lanning Minchew * co-author of Managing Local Government Archives, winner of the Christine Zanotti Award for Excellence in Non-Serial Publications, presented by ARMA International in October 2017 *