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Dalhousie University Archives and Special Collections (DUASC) has been producing Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids to describe its archival collections since 2003. The EAD descriptions started as a way to convert the collection of print and electronic (Microsoft Word and WordPerfect) finding aids into a stable, software neutral format. As the collection of finding aids grew, it became apparent that we needed a way to search these documents beyond what was possible via a basic browse on the DUASC website. As a result, we embarked on a systematic crosswalk of the EAD finding aids into MARC 21 format for inclusion in the Novanet library catalogue. This has facilitated searching and discovery of the materials by a much broader audience of Dalhousie University Library users as well as users from all of the other Novanet member libraries in Nova Scotia and the general public. This article describes the primary motivation for the project and the technical aspects of converting the EAD finding aids into MARC 21 format for inclusion in the Novanet catalogue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the evolution of the Dalhousie University Archives and Special Collections' theatre archives in order to demonstrate how changing archival standards, technologies, and expectations have influenced our public service (provision of in-house access to materials) and outreach activities (the provision of services and research tools for specific audiences) and to suggest that the development of our award-winning digital resource From Artillery to Zuppa Circus: Recorded Memory of Theatre Life in Nova Scotia might serve as a model of how an archives can balance the immediate needs of the communities they serve -- both donors and researchers -- with a firm understanding of archives' societal role, historical usage trends, and the dangers of focusing too narrowly on the short-term. Using Dalhousie University Archives and Special Collections' theatre archives as a case study, the paper shows how outreach activities can fruitfully inform all aspects of holdings management from acquisition to description to public service without distracting from foundational principles and mandates. Indeed, the short-term focus on outreach activities reaps long-term benefits from the improved visibility within archival and research communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archives provide an important service in the preservation of our heritage, but the core archival processes involved in making literary papers accessible are essentially invisible to researchers. This essay outlines issues relating to archival appraisal, arrangement, and description because these processes directly affect the organization and subsequent interpretation of archival materials. What materials have archival value? How does an archivist respect original order while ensuring organized access? To what extent can and should finding aids as well as facsimiles of documents be made available in digital format? Discussion of these questions is illustrated with examples from Dalhousie University Archives and Special Collections' literary holdings, which include the papers of William R. Bird, Frank Parker Day, Thomas Head Raddall, and Budge Wilson. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]