Bibliographic Assignment (5%) - Due Jan 25, Feb 1, Feb 8
In each of weeks 2, 3, and 4, turn in a synopsis of the main points of each of the readings for that week. Each synopsis should be between 250 and 500 words. Head each synopsis with appropriate bibliographic information in the humanities style commonly used in the archival community (See Directions for Preparing Better Papers). Bibliographic citations are to be single-spaced, the text of each annotation double-spaced.

The purpose of this assignment is to ensure that the student lays a solid and early foundation upon which to build the work of subsequent assignments. Consequently, your synopsis is to provide concrete information that you have learned from the work, not simply report that the piece is about this or that.

For extra credit of up to one letter grade each week, submit synopses of other readings chosen from the course reading list.

Study of a recently built or recently extensively renovated archival facility outside of Austin. (25%) - Due Feb 22
Study of a recently built or recently extensively renovated archival facility outside of Austin. Each student will seek both a copy of the architectural program and substantial insight from staff at the facility regarding (1) issues in designing and constructing the facility and experience with the ways the design and as-built structure have served or not well served the archival enterprise for which they were designed and constructed.

For the assignment, prepare both a paper and a powerpoint presentation. The grade will be based on both the paper and the presentation. Turn in two copies of each (the presentation on a CD). The architectural program is to accompany the paper and CD turned in for grading. The other copy of the paper and CD will be put on class reserve. Following grading, the paper and CD will be returned to the student and the program will be placed with the paper and CD on class reserve to be available to all students for reference throughout the remainder of the course (Class reserve materials will be retained by the instructor at the conclusion of the course.)

In-depth study of a matter the consideration of which is vital in the design and operation of an archival facility. (25%) - Due Mar 8-Apl 19 as assigned
Working in groups of two, students are to research thoroughly one of the following six topics: fire detection/suppression, environment and its control, lighting, shelving and housing containers, the visitor experience, and special-needs materials.

For the assignment, prepare both a paper and, as appropriate, a powerpoint presentation. On the day identified for discussion of the topic, the group is to make a presentation of its findings on its topic and lead subsequent discussion. In the class session prior to that in which the presentation is to be made, the group is to provide the class with a reading list, study of which will give everyone a foundation for making the most of the presentation and participating meaningfully in the subsequent discussion.

The grade will be based on the paper and the presentation. Turn in two copies of the paper, and as appropriate, the presentation (on a CD). One copy of the paper and the CD will be put on class reserve to be available to all students for reference throughout the remainder of the course and retained by the instructor at the conclusion of the course. The other copy will be graded and returned.

Proposal for Austin History Center use of space in a combination of a renovated Central Library Building and the current facility. (35%) - Due May 3
Working in groups of four, students are to develop a proposal (one per group) for the most efficient, effective, engaging, innovative, inspired (1) way that the Austin History Center could utilize the new space as an addition to its present space, and (2) way that its present space might be reconfigured in light of the addition of the new space.

For the assignment, prepare both a paper and a powerpoint presentation. The final class day will be given to presentation of the group solutions to personnel from the Austin History Center/Austin History Center Association and subsequent discussion.

The grade will be based on the paper and the presentation. Turn in three copies of the paper and the presentation (on a CD). One copy of each will be given to the Austin History Center/Austin History Center Association; the second will be graded and returned; the third will be retained by the instructor.

Class Participation (10%)

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Papers turned in late will be penalized 1/3 letter grade per day late, including papers received after the beginning of class on the due date.

Students with disabilities: Any student with a documented disability (physical or cognitive) who requires academic accommodations should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities area of the Office of the Dean of Students at 471.6259 (voice) or 471.4641 (TTY for users who are deaf or hard of hearing) as soon as possible to request an official letter outlining authorized accommodations.