A Unique Process: Technology and the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection Project Findings Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library HBCU Library Alliance Annual Membership Meeting October 26, 2010

Strategic Plan Vision: To reflect the excellence of our member institutions by being the first and best choice for our users in their search for information Department – Archives Research Center Vision: To be a premier destination archives, connecting local community and the world to the rich historical and cultural resources at the AUC

3 Collection Statistics Originally described as 32 linear feet; now approximately 106 linear feet Originally described as 10,000 items; now approximately 19,000 items Arranged into 15 Series – Manuscripts by MLK and others; SCLC records; education; research; correspondence; church records; legal and financial records; printed materials; memorabilia; photographs – 202 boxes; over 50,000 pages Completed Catalog Records for Book Collection – 1,110 volumes (93 linear feet)

Processing Work 4

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Web Site

Finding Aid

Search Engine

Book Record in Online Catalog

15 Accessing Collection Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection (MCMLK) access policy with special security provisions tightened general Archives Research Center (ARC) policy Adopted research agreement specifically for MCMLK Collection – in purple 3 terminals with digitized documents Appointment time – initial 90 minutes; additional 30 minute increments Photocopies – not initially honored Exhibit policy created

16 Supporting Documents Documents online to streamline information about MCMLK Collection – RWWL as Custodian – Collection Overview – Notable Items – Frequently Asked Questions – News Releases – Collection featured “In the News”

17 Reference Statistics Consistently most frequently researched collection since opening in January stats: 133 inquiries; 57 reference visits (Jan. – July 2009) stats: 171 inquiries; 105 reference visits stats: 87 inquiries; 57 reference visits (July 2010 – Sept. 2010)

18 Faculty and Student Instruction stats: – 3 MCMLK Collection sessions – 14 total sessions stats (July – Oct. 2010): – 1 MCMLK Collection session – 6 total sessions

19 Faculty and Student Instruction Multi-disciplinary Instruction Leadership Studies English History Religion/ Theology

20 Special Visitors Challenges of Research Collection vs. Exhibit Various dignitaries and school groups – Ambassadors – Politicians – Civil Rights Activists – Historians/Scholars – Government officials – Descendents of Martin Luther King, Jr. correspondents and inspirational figures

21 Programming Collaboration with Office of the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection – Reading, Writing and Remembering King: Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Essay Contest – Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture Series – Oral History Project

Questions? Contact information: Loretta Parham: Andrea Jackson: Courtney Chartier: