Capuchin Archives in Detroit, Michigan USA
Channel: SJSU School of Information
Date: 2020-03-03

Podcast Link: http://bit.ly/32z9atr

Abstract:
Not all archivists work in a library or academic setting, but they all face similar challenges—lack of necessary staff and resources.  In this presentation, you’ll learn how one lone archivist transformed a religious archives in Detroit that had no computerized records, relevant finding aids, inventory of holdings, or open reading room into a responsive reference center for both religious and secular patrons. You will learn how she and her team of 1 part-time staff person, 2 volunteers, and 1 friar work with paper-based archival materials including council meetings, land deeds, and friar personal files as well as saint relics, artifacts, and audio-visual items. The methods described to bring order to chaos are adaptable to large and small archives in any setting.

Biography:
Junia Yasenov is the Director of the Archives for the Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order for the states of Montana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. She has worked at their headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, since October 1, 2018. During this time, she has transformed the archives from an unorganized storage unit into a professional vault. Before this, she worked for the state archives in Lansing, Michigan, for three years and volunteered at Michigan State University Archives.