The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) will present its 2008 Archives and Records Management Seminar on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Harrisburg.

Among those who would benefit from these presentations are archivists, records managers, librarians, information technology managers, and administrators representing federal, state, county, and municipal governments, historical societies, museums, school districts, colleges and universities, corporations, and other records repositories.

8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.
Registration and refreshments
Sponsored by IMR Digital - Exhibitors open

8:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Welcome: Barbara Franco, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
David Haury, Director, Bureau of Archives and History, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m. PLENARY I
Discussing Pennsylvania's New Right to Know/Open Records Law

The Right to Know/Open Records Law guarantees citizens access to certain public records produced by government agencies. This session, presented by Terry Mutchler, Executive Director, Office of Open Records, will examine amended and expanded requirements and look at some of the case laws involving access issues.

Representatives of the Civil War PA 150 planning committee will discuss how institutions can prepare for this event in their respective communities, specific projects they can undertake, what kind of funding may be available, and what projects others are pursuing.

10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Break: Visit with the exhibitors, refreshments provided

11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

Your documents are the cornerstones of your institution and thereÕs an army of thousands or even millions poised to attack. Do you know how to spot the first signs of infestation, treat and prevent it, or realize the damage that can be done? From silverfish to slime mold, entomologist Thomas Parker, who specializes in museum and historical collections, will address this topic.

This session is geared for government employees, but would also be relevant for those involved with other records management professions. This session will share experiences and lessons learned while establishing realistic records management practices that have proven to work well for state agencies. Shawn Weis, assistant counsel with PENNVEST, will discuss the process of building a new records retention and disposition schedule for PENNVEST.

Linda Avetta, an information technologist with the PHMC, will discuss better practices for the management of e-mail, expanding on the recent e-LMS training for Commonwealth supervisors, as well as provide guidance for storing messages that are records.

Susan Hartman and Jerry Ellis, Pennsylvania state archivists, will explain the services available to county and municipal governments through the State Archives. This includes vital records identification, disaster planning, and the PHMC Grants program. Heather Heckman will describe her work as PHMCÕs Itinerant Archivist, a federally funded position which assists selected counties throughout the state.

12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Buffet Style Lunch (included with registration) Seating available in Parlor A and Hotel Atrium/Bar

1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions and Workshops

Session D: Electronic Security

Robert Maley, Chief Information Security Officer for the Commonwealth, will discuss how to keep your institution and your records safe in an ever increasing electronic environment.

Workshop A: Photo Handling and Preservation, Part 1

Photographs deteriorate! What can we do about it? During this workshop, Gary Albright, private consultant, will examine common forms of photographic deterioration and discuss steps to preserve photographs. These steps include handling, storage materials, exhibition, and unique photographic problems.

Workshop B: Copyright Law, Part 1 Sponsored by Preservation Technologies

Peter B. Hirtle, Intellectual Property Officer, CornellUniversity Library, will examine the copyright issues commonly facing records management professionals, librarians, and archivists. These issues include public domain, copyright expirations, and more.

2:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Break: Visit with the exhibitors, refreshments provided

Concurrent Sessions and Workshops (continued)

Session E: Statewide Scanning and Digitization Projects

Examine the successes and challenges resulting from two large-scale digitization projects in Pennsylvania. Joan Decker, Philadelphia Records commissioner, is involved with scanning over 5,000 parcel maps and adding extensive digital information from reference points to establishing various property developments over time. Sue Kellerman, Penn State University, is involved with Penn State's large-scale historic newspaper scanning project.

Attendees are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements at the Four Points by Sheraton by calling 717-561-2800. Please mention the Pennsylvania Heritage Society/2008 Archives and Records Management Seminar. A block of rooms will be held at a special group rate of $110.00 per night until September 23, 2008.

If you have any special needs, accommodations, or accessibility requirements, please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate you. All sessions will be held at ADA-accessible locations. Please use the accessibility needs line on the registration form to indicate any special needs you may have. Pennsylvania TDD relay service is available at (800) 654-5984.