Outreach Programs: Can They Really Help Archives?
Historically, archives have been considered places where old documents, important papers, photos, and genealogical records have been kept safe from destruction. Coupled with this reality, has been the assumption that archives are not places which people frequent in search of information or anything else for that matter. Of course, a small percentage of the population is aware that archives are open to the public, especially historians and those involved with genealogical associations. However, for the most part, archives are not the first thing that comes to mind when there is a need to find out something, and that is the inherent problem of operating such an institution. If they can hope to increase the use of their facilities, archives must develop programs and services which inform the public about their holdings and reference procedures. Everything must be justified these days and it is no longer good enough to point out the value in preserving the past, when large portions of soci
