MAC Symposium ProposalCincinnati, Ohio | October 18-20, 2012

Date:March 1, 2011

To:Mark Shelstad

Vice President, MAC

From:Lisa Sjoberg, Program Coordinator

Anne Ryckbost, Local Arrangements Coordinator

Subject:Proposal to host the 2012 Fall MAC Symposium

Why?

MAC has not met in Cincinnati since 1988. Although several recent meetings have been held in Columbus and the Dayton area, the meetings prior to this one (St. Paul, Sioux City, and Grand Rapids) have been in the western part of the MAC region.Cincinnati has the potential to draw attendees from several major nearby cities: Indianapolis, Columbus, Louisville, Lexington, and Dayton.

The Local Archival CommunityThere are numerous archivists in the Cincinnati area, especially since the Wright State University and Northern Kentucky University programs are nearby. Local archives include the Hamilton County Public Library, the University of Cincinnati Archives, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Lloyd Library, the American Jewish Archives, the Cincinnati Historical Society Library, Northern Kentucky University Special Collections and Archives, Xavier University Archives, the Archives of the Chancery, Diocese of Covington Archives, and the College of Mount St. Joseph Archives.

Local Arrangements Support
The majority of the members of the local arrangements committee have been long-time residents of the city and represent a diverse range of area archival organizations and institutions. Initial discussions indicate willingness for the some of these archival organizations to host tours and events, including the Thursday evening opening reception. The local arrangements committee is also connected with a number of individuals in the community to solicit donations and other assistance with the program.

Potential or Suggested Topic
The focus of this symposium will be working with K-12 and undergraduate students to educate them about primary sources. The importance of educating our students is well stated in Hendry’s 2007 American Archivist article: “What better way to ensure that the policy makers and voters of tomorrow are both critical thinkers and sensitive to archival concerns than to introduce them at an early age to the usefulness of archives?”[1] Recent literature in a variety of disciplines, including archival practice, librarianship, education, and history, has investigated the use of primary sources in classroom settings. These studies have provided evidence about the benefits of using primary sources in both K-12 and undergraduate classrooms. For example, a January 2011 evaluation report of the National History Day program states, “The historical-research training, skills and experience ofthe program transform young people into scholars. And further, the innovative instructionfrom National History Day is linked to academic success and skills development across ALLsubjects, not just history.”[2]

Despite the many proven benefits of using primary sources in primary, secondary, and undergraduate education, much of the literature still calls for action. These action items include establishing information literacy standards for primary sources, sharing ideas on working with students and faculty, and developing effective assignments and class sessions. As Carini states, “Archivists need training and strategies to address almost all aspects of their roles as members of the educational team within secondary and higher education.”[3]This symposium seeks to provide this training for archival educators by (1) presenting tangible ideas for implementation, (2) providing opportunities to dialogue about best practices, and (3) sharing resources to encourage archival literacy.

Potential Speakers
Committee members generated the list of potential speakers based on aspects of the symposium topic that we feel are most important and relevant. In some cases, more than one speaker is listed simply to provide options should someone be unwilling or uninterested in participating. Please see the appendix to this proposal for a draft schedule.

Topic / Potential speakers
Learning theory / Deanna Sellnow
Professor, Communication Studies; University of Kentucky
Carol Kuhlthau
Professor Emerita of Library and Information Science at Rutgers University
Archival instruction and/or assessment practices / Magia Krause
PhD candidate, School of Information; University of Michigan
Elizabeth Yakel
Associate Professor, School of Information; University of Michigan
Working with undergraduates / Peter Carini
College Archivist, Dartmouth College
Julie Grob
Digital Projects & Instruction Librarian, University of Houston
Working with K-12 students / Julie Daniels
Coordinator of Educational Programs at the New York State Archives
Kristi Fragnoli
Associate Professor of Teacher Education, St. Rose College
NARA/Authors of DocsTeach
NHD panel / Representatives from Minnesota Historical Society, NHD Philadelphia, SAA NHD task force
Alexis Braun Marks (formerly from MHS)

Program Support

The recommended members of the Symposium Organizing Committee are well suited to develop this program as they have published and presented on this topic and many have worked on the Society of American Archivists’ National History Day Task Force. In addition, committee members have practical experience with this topic having worked with students on a regular basis. These qualifications coupled with the resources, knowledge, and experience of the local arrangements team will allow us to create a symposium that includes theory, practical application, and networking opportunities to advance this important issue in our profession.

Recommended Membership for the Symposium Organizing Committee

Program

  • Lisa Sjoberg, Concordia College (Coordinator)
  • George Bain, Ohio University (retired)
  • Gregory J. Kocken, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
  • Doris Malkmus, Penn State University
  • Kathryn Otto, University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Local Arrangements

  • Anne Ryckbost, Northern Kentucky University (Coordinator)
  • Kevin Grace, University of Cincinnati
  • Christine Schmid Engels, Cincinnati Museum Center
  • Diane Mallstrom, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
  • Stephanie L. Moll Bricking, University of Cincinnati Libraries
  • Lucy Putnam, Glenmary Home Missioners Archives
Potential Hotels (Prices and Amenities)

The Symposium Organizing Committee recommends the hotels listed below to DMN Communications, Inc. Holding the symposium meeting at the selected hotel location downtown is optimal as it reduces travel time and potential rental car costs. Downtown is readily accessible from the area’s major highways and the airport. By keeping the hotel and meeting downtown, participants will be in walking distance of several area attractions and many local restaurants. Participants will be able to experience the vibrancy of Cincinnati’s rejuvenated Fountain Square and historic Over-the-Rhine. Public bus transportation is easily accessible for participants wishing to visit such attractions as the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and the Cincinnati Zoo.

Garfield Suites (Cincinnati)

2 Garfield Place
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
800-367-2155 local: 513-421-3355 fax: 513-421-3729

-Conference Facilities: 54-70 person capacities banquet style seating
“The standard rental for both the Buckeye and Kroger conference rooms are $250/daily. The rental of the room includes complete setup including tablecloths and skirting, free internet access, complimentary LCD projector and screen. The meeting room rental is waived with a minimum $500.00 food/beverage order.” (email from Mick Douthat Director of Sales and Marketing 2/28/11)

-AV rental available

-Catering available: $23.95 per person for breakfast/break/lunch/break

-Within walking distance to Cincinnati Public Library, Lloyd Library, Taft Museum, and on bus route to Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Art Museum, and American Jewish Archives

-Overnight parking options available at a charge

-Transportation shuttle service to airport available at a charge

Hilton Netherland Plaza (Cincinnati)

35 West Fifth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 421-9100

-Variety of conference rooms available

-Catering available

-Internet and AV equipment rental available

-Within walking distance to Cincinnati Public Library, Lloyd Library, Taft Museum, and on bus route to Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Art Museum, and American Jewish Archives

-Overnight parking options available for a fee

Hyatt (Cincinnati)

151 West Fifth Street,
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA45202
Tel: +1 513 579 1234Fax: +1 513 354 4299

-Large variety of conference facilities

-Catering available: $15.95 per person for continental breakfast alone/ package options for all day meetings available. Kosher food also available

-All meeting and banquet rooms offer individual controls for heat / air conditioning, sound, music, telephones, multiple electrical / microphone outlets, audiovisual equipment, and 100V single-phase and 220V single-phase electricity

-Within walking distance to Cincinnati Public Library, Lloyd Library, Taft Museum, and on bus route to Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Art Museum, and American Jewish Archives

-Overnight parking options available at a charge

-Transportation available to airport via shuttle at a charge

The Cincinnatian (Cincinnati)

601 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
800-942-900 or 513-381-3000

Variety of meeting space available

-AV equipment, wireless internet

-Catering available

-Within walking distance to Cincinnati Public Library, Lloyd Library, Taft Museum, and on bus route to Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Art Museum, and American Jewish Archives

-Overnight parking available at a charge

Radisson (Northern Kentucky)

668 West Fifth Street, Covington, Kentucky 41011,

Reservations: 1-800-395-7046 US/Canada Toll-free

Telephone: (859) 491-1200 Fax: 859-491-8698

Email: /

-Variety of meeting space available

-AV equipment, wireless internet

-Catering available: $27.95 per person breakfast/break/lunch/break

-NOT in walking distance of downtown Cincinnati but on taxi and bus routes (approx. 5 min. drive to downtown)

-Complimentary shuttle service to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

-Parking available in lot at no extra charge

Courtyard by Marriott (Northern Kentucky)

500 West 3rd Street · Covington, Kentucky 41011
Phone: 1-859-491-4000 Fax:1-859-491-8700

-Meeting space for up to 85

-AV equipment rental available

-Catering available

-NOT in walking distance of downtown Cincinnati but on taxi and bus routes (approx. 5 mins. From downtown)

-Complimentary on-site parking

-Hotel does not provide airport shuttle but it can be arranged

Embassy Suites Hotel (Northern Kentucky)
10 East Rivercenter Boulevard
Covington, KY 4101
Get Directions
(859) 261-8400

-Variety of meeting space available

-AV equipment, wireless internet

-Catering available

-Walk possible to restaurants but not to Lloyd Library.

-Overnight parking available at a charge

Marriott (Northern Kentucky)

10 West RiverCenter Blvd

Covington, KY 41011

Get Directions

(859) 261-2900

-Variety of meeting space available

-AV equipment rental, wireless internet

-Catering available

-Walk possible to restaurants but not to Lloyd Library

-Overnight parking available at a fee

Travel/Location

Cincinnati is at the hub of major interstates through the tri-state region, including U.S. 71 and U.S. 75. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is located 13 miles south of Cincinnati in Florence, Kentucky. The airport provides shuttle, taxi, and bus transportation to Cincinnati.

Other Attractions in the Vicinity
  • Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives
  • Cincinnati Art Museum
  • Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens
  • Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
  • Great American Ballpark: Cincinnati Reds
  • Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Paul Brown Stadium: Cincinnati Bengals
  • Harriet Beecher Stowe House
  • King’s Island Amusement Park
  • Unique neighborhoods: Mount Adams, Clifton, Northside, Hyde Park, Over-the-Rhine
  • William Howard Taft Historic Site
  • University of Cincinnati
  • Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education
  • Historic Findlay Market
  • Behringer-Crawford Museum
  • Newport Aquarium
  • Contemporary Arts Center
  • Cincinnati Observatory
  • Walking tours by the Cincinnati Preservation Association
  • Lloyd Library and Museum
  • Cincinnati Brewery District
  • Krohn Conservatory
  • Underground Railroad Freedom Center
  • Taft Museum of Art
  • Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
  • Music Hall
  • Newport on the Levee

Appendix

Draft Schedule

Thursday, October 18

Time / Event/Topic
6:00 pm / Evening reception at hotel

Friday, October 19

Time / Event/Topic & tentative speaker ideas
8:30-9:00 / Continental breakfast/registration
9:00-9:15 / Welcome, introductions, & logistics
9:15-10:30 / Learning theory
Background on how students learn & using assignments to maximize their learning
10:30-10:45 / Break
10:45-12:00 / Archival instruction
Discussion of the role of archivists in education& summary of methods
12:00-1:00 / Lunch
1:00-2:30 / Working with K-12 students
Methods of using primary sources and archives for K-12 students
2:30-2:45 / Break
2:45-4:00 / Working with K-12 students, continued
Methods of using primary sources and archives for K-12 students
4:00-5:00 / NHD panel
Summary of NHD, case studies, best practices, tools for archivists & educators

Saturday, October 20

Time / Event/Topic
8:30-9:00 / Continental breakfast
9:00-10:15 / Working with undergraduate students and faculty
Collaborating with faculty on assignments specifically using primary sources
10:15-10:30 / Break
10:30-12:00 / Working with undergraduate students and faculty, continued
Developing class sessions & assessing student learning
12:00-1:00 / Roundtable discussion of educators & theorists

[1] Julia Hendry, “Primary Sources in K-12 Education: Opportunities for Archives,” The American Archivist 70, no. 1 (2007): 129.

[2] National History Day, “National Program Evaluation Executive Summary,” National History Day Works: National Program Evaluation,

[3] Peter Carini, “Archivists as Educators: Integrating Primary Sources into the Curriculum,” Journal of Archival Organization 7, no. 1 (2009): 47.