Maryland Manual 1994-1995

and restoration, mylar encapsulation, phase boxing,
and archival bookbinding.
Preservation and Access. The State Archives pre-
serves information with microfilm and digital imag-
ing to expand access to historical documents.
Sophisticated computer-scanning technology and
microfilm produced to national preservation stand-
ards preserve images of original materials. These
procedures help individuals who are not able to use
originals at the Archives, and they preserve the
information value of fragile manuscripts, maps,
newspapers, and photographs.
Preservation Outreach. The State Archives partici-
pated in the work of the Task Force to Initiate
Preservation Planning in Maryland and has as-
sumed a leading position in promoting preservation
to organizations and individuals across the State.
The State Archives was designated by the Task
Force to coordinate public information, workshops,
and low-cost conservation services. The goal is to
ensure preservation of significant collections of
books and documents in Maryland libraries, muse-
ums, historical societies, government offices, pri-
vate organizations, and private homes.

PUBLICATION
Vacancy, Director
(410) 974-3916

The State Archives produces a variety of finding
aids, guides to records, historical monographs, es-
says, and directories. Every two years, the State
Archives compiles, edits, publishes, and distributes
the MARYLAND MANUAL. In addition, the State
Archives prepares, edits, and publishes volumes of
the new series of the Archives of Maryland. Some
examples of publications currently available are:

Brochures describing publications and educational
outreach programs, and providing guidance for
research are available on request.

REFERENCE SERVICES
Patricia V. Melville, Director
(410) 974-3914

Records are made accessible to the public and
government agencies through the search room, by
telephone, fax, and mail. The search room is open
Tuesday through Saturday. Telephone, fax and mail
reference services are available Monday through Friday.
Records are used for historical research, title
searches, geographical information, vital record re-
search, legal documentation, and genealogy. Copies
of records can be produced on paper or microform
by Photographic Services, an in-house photolab.
Self-service copying from film and xeroxing of some
materials also is available. Records on microforms
may be borrowed through interlibrary loan.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Nancy M. Bramucci, Registrar
(410) 974-3914

The State Archives is authorized to collect public
and private records and other information that
relates to the history of the Province and State of
Maryland from the earliest times. At the descretion
of the State Archivist, the State Archives also is
authorized to acquire collections of private records
as permanent gifts (Code State Government Arti-
cle, sec. 9-1010).
Special Collections supervises the care, preserva-
tion, accessioning, and description of private re-
cords. These nongovernmental records usually are
given to the State Archives by private donors and
generally consist of personal letters, diaries, photo-
graphs, maps, church records, architectural plans,
and other manuscript documents.
With the exception of collections of fine arts and
photographs, the Registrar, in conjunction with the
State Archivist, reviews offers of materials as gifts to
Special Collections. Offers of photographic collec-
tions are reviewed by the Curator of Photographs in
conjunction with the Registrar and State Archivist,
while gifts of fine arts are reviewed by the Curator of
Artistic Property and the State Archivist. Materials are
accepted on the basis of their relevance to the holdings
of the State Archives, their condition, and the need to
provide for their proper storage and care.
While collections generally are offered as gifts to
the State Archives, occasionally materials are ac-
cepted on deposit. The decision to accept a collec-
tion of original materials as a deposit is made by the
Registrar in conjunction with the State Archivist
based upon the relevance of the collection to the
holdings of the State Archives, its condition, and
the historical value of the collection. A collection
may be placed on deposit if its contents are to be
photographed or microfilmed as a reference collec-
tion at the Archives and the original materials re-
turned to the owner.