| | 1 | Author: | University of Virginia
Library | Add | | | Title: | Eighth Annual Report of the Archivist, Library of the University of Virginia, for the Year 1937-38  | | | | Published: | 2005 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Modern English collection | UVA-LIB-Text | | | | Description: | SOMEWHERE between the librarian and the historian (or the social
scientist, it may be argued) stands the archivist. Just what his status
is among the professionals or how it is to be arrived at in this country
has not yet been determined. That he is already here complicates the
situation but at least keeps practical considerations to the fore. By
many people of recognized intelligence he is classified with genus antiquarium
because some of his kind are known only as guardians and
preservers of ancient records from use. Like the physician emerging
from the barber's trade in colonial days, the archivist aspires to professional
dignity in his own name. In some states where he has the
title, he is virtually an artisan doing odd jobs of reference and serving
as scrivener for the legislators, or his quasi professionalism may be
that of a politician among politicians. Among county and city clerks
the title of archivist is unknown as applied to their position. In Virginia,
for example, where the county clerks of colonial and ante bellum
times were generally men of prestige and considerable culture, and
where respect for this office has been preserved in some measure, training
for the duties of office, if any, may be acquired occasionally as deputy,
but the job is chiefly one of daily routine in recording current entries. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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