1. RIAMCO Rhode Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online [your name]

2. What is the Rhode Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online (RIAMCO)? RIAMCO is a statewide consortium that provides enhanced access to archival and manuscript materials through a union database of Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids. The union database will include finding aids for at least 336 archives and manuscripts collections (4,110 linear feet) in 10 different repositories.

3. RIAMCO Members The consortium brings together public, private, and academic repositories: Brown University Rhode Island State Archives John Carter Brown Library Roger Williams University Providence College Salve Regina University Rhode Island Historical Society University of Rhode Island Rhode Island School of Design Westerly Public Library

4. Project Goals Improve access to archival and manuscript collections throughout Rhode Island. Standardize descriptive practices across repositories using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS). Train archivists and special collection librarians in the implementation of Encoded Archival Description (EAD).

5. What is Encoded Archival Description (EAD)? Internationally accepted archival standard Encodes finding aids for use online Regulates collection information within and across repositories Reflects the hierarchical nature of archival collections Provides structure (via XML) for describing the whole collection and its components

6. Some research topics from RIAMCO finding aids: Agriculture Architecture Art Business Education Government, Politics and Law Health and Medicine Immigration Language and Literature Maritime Military Performing Arts Race, Ethnicity and Gender Religion Rhode Island/Local Interest Science and Technology Social Life and Customs and more…

7. RIAMCO Historical Timeline 2004 MarchNew England Archivists session: EAD: A Conversation on Cooperation, Holy Cross College 2004 OctoberNew England EAD Collaboration Meeting, NELINET 2006 MarchEnvisioning a Rhode Island EAD Finding Aid Collaboration, Brown University 2006 JuneApplied for LORI grant (LSTA) 2007 JulyApplied for National Endowment for the Humanities Preservation and Access grant 2008 MayRIAMCO awarded 2-year grant

8. RIAMCO Sustainability Grants Executive Committee guidance Brown will continue to provide the technical infrastructure Members will assist in providing training to new members Build on Rhode Island Historical Records Grant Program that trained repositories how to create finding aids

9. Exploring the RIAMCO Website

10. Search Capabilities Home Keyword Browse Repository Subject Advanced Search Keyword Subject Creator Collection number Language Repository Date

11. Inventory RIAMCO Finding Aid

12. Rhode Island Archival and Manuscript Collections Online [your contact information]