Registration is now open for Basic Archives – An Introduction to Archival Practice. 

November 17-20, 2025     10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Online and at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Ave, St. John’s

This four-day introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of archival principles and practices. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to obtain physical, administrative and intellectual control of both your historical records and the records of your organization.

Day One: (sessions run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day: lunch break 12:30 pm – 1:30 p.m.)

Venue: Online via Zoom

Introduction to Archival Principles: Definition of archival terms, introduction to archival administration; ethics and archives

Appraisal and Selection: Principles governing the selection of archival materials, acquisition strategies and programs, collection mandates, deaccessioning and documentation.

Facilitator:

Recently retired, Mary Ellen Wright was the Professional Development and Outreach Officer (aka archives advisor) for the Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Archives (ANLA) for 23 years. She has a BA in history from Dalhousie University, a master’s from St. Mary’s University and has also studied history at Memorial. Prior to coming to Newfoundland she worked at the provincial archives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Mary Ellen was a contract archivist in various institutions around St. John’s before starting with ANLA in 2000. Mary Ellen’s job with ANLA took her to archives and museums from Nain to Grand Bank.

Day Two

Venue: In Person at The Rooms

Accessioning and Arrangement: Provenance, respect des fonds, original order, imposing order, creating levels of order, linking arrangement and description.

Facilitator:

Elizabeth Fewer has been an Archives Technician with The Rooms since 2001. Her primary role has been archival description of collections, including government, private, photographic and cartographic materials and management of the Archives WebGencat database.

Day Three

Venue: In Person at The Rooms

Description: Descriptive elements, introduction to RAD (Rules for Archival Description). RAD is the recognized Canadian standard for archival description.

Day Four

Venue: In Person at The Rooms

Introduction to Preservation Issues in Archives: Measures to prevent damage and deterioration, preservation planning, disaster & emergency awareness, security, condition reports, reference regulations.

Facilitator:

Miki Lee, Conservator with The Rooms’ Archives and Collections Department, was accredited by the CAPC in 2007 specializing in Preventive Conservation. Miki holds a Diploma in Collections Conservation and Management from Fleming College and B.A. (Honours) in Anthropology (Archaeology) and English Literature from Memorial University. With over 20 years of professional experience, she has provided conservation training, education, and treatment services for various organizations at the community, municipal, provincial and federal levels.

Registration Fee (includes a digital copy of ANLA’s Basic Archives binder):
ANLA and MANL Members: $75 
Non-Members: $100  

Spaces are limited. Early registration is encouraged.

Register now: https://forms.gle/6v7shCwq1xjd9KdE9