The Archives of Appalachia houses a myriad of materials that document the social, political, cultural, economic and historic life of south-central Appalachia and ETSU.
The collection includes political documents, audio and video documenting the music, storytelling and folklore of the region, photographs, business and institutional records, the records of social organizations and family collections and documents.
“Most things we have solicited in some form or fashion,” said Norma Myers, assistant director and curator.
The depth, history and formats in the collection continue to intrigue her.
Documentary filmmakers, the news media and researchers make use of the items in the archives which has items dating to the 1700s.
Myers said one of the most enjoyable aspects of her job is talking with people about the archives and the role it can play in preserving their valuable documents.
She said that talking with a potential donor does not guarantee that the collection will be donated immediately. People want to know that the archives are the best location for their collections and documents, she said.
Some collections have come in 20 years after an initial request and offer was made.
Collections are donated when people “are ready to let go,” Myers said.
“The time has to be right for these things to happen,” she said.
Collections come to her attention in a variety of ways. A talk to a group will sometimes lead to a collection’s donation and researchers often tell Myers about collections of relevance and importance.
In general, she said, the “word is out” that the archives is a good place to find and preserve family and business histories and special collections.
The archives Web site is playing a big role in increasing knowledge of its activities. Myers said more requests for information come in each day through e-mail, and people are also offering collections to them through e-mail.
The Internet and computers have been a plus for the archives, but technology is creating unforeseen challenges for Myers and the archival profession.
Myers said that important correspondence was once handled by letter and on paper, but business, government and universities increasingly correspond by e-mail.
Archivists are faced with the problem of preserving e-mail correspondence knowing computer technology and software have shorter lifespans than paper which lasts more than 150 years.
Putting important documents and collections on CDs makes access easier but problems arise because a CD and other digital formats last only 10-20 years. Myers said that even if a more durable form was created, computer technology and software is changing so rapidly that the tools might not be available to read it.
Most collections donated to the archives are preserved in their original format and stored in temperature and humidity controlled environments.
Some recordings and photographs are currently being converted to digital format. Myers said many book publishers demand that photographs be submitted to them in digital form.
Myers questions how photographers who now work in digital format are going to have their works preserved.
“Technology is really an issue and, as more and more things are created that way, it will become a greater issue,” she said.

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