Historical Records Advisory Board
Minutes, 18 June 2004
Ohio Historical Center
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Charlie Arp, Roland Baumann, John Fleming,
Barbara Floyd, Raimund Goerler, Bill Laidlaw, Julie McMaster, Jim
Oda, Kermit Pike and Carol Tomer.
BOARD MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: George Parkinson
STAFF PRESENT: Laurie Gemmill, Katherine Goliver, Pari Swift, Jim
Strider, and Rachel Tooker
Guests: Devrha Bennett Jones, Christine Crandall, Dr. Frederic Krome
and Dorothy Smith
At 10:00 a.m. Bill Laidlaw welcomed the board. He noted the promotions
of Laurie Gemmill to State Archivist and Pari Swift to Assistant State
Archivist. Roland Baumann and Mike Lucas were thanked for their participation
on the search committee. Laurie will be appointed to a four-year term
as Deputy State Coordinator.
The recent restructuring of the Ohio Historical Society, particularly
the restructuring of the Archives/Library Division, was discussed.
Bill thanked Jim Strider for accepting his new responsibilities. OHS
views these changes as a strengthening of its commitment to the Archives/Library
and is looking forward to developing a true partnership with the board.
Bill expressed his dedication and that he is pleased by his appointment
as State Coordinator for OHRAB. Rachel Tooker discussed the necessity
of the restructuring to build a stronger organization less dependant
on state funds.
Rachel Tooker stated that OHS will feel the loss of the significant
leadership of George Parkinson, but expressed her confidence in Jim
Strider's ability to be an effective advocate for the Archives/Library.
Jim Strider expressed his firm belief that OHS has a role in leading
historical organizations in the state.
It was moved by Jim Oda and seconded by Roland Baumann that a resolution
of appreciation on behalf of the Ohio Historical Records Advisory
Board be made to George Parkinson for his leadership, expertise, friendship
and perseverance. The motion was unanimously passed.
The board reviewed its recent presentation to the Ohio Historical
Society Board of Trustees.
Discussion ensued regarding past problems regarding communications
and management of records in Ohio. Rachel Tooker stated that OHS management
has a high regard for OHRAB and that OHS will be working with OHRAB
on strategic planning.
Bill Laidlaw requested additions to this and the next meeting's agenda.
Charlie Arp requested that the IMLS/AASLH Basics of Archives Education,
beta testing be added to this agenda. The work of the subcommittees
and discussion of digitization in Ohio will be added to the next meeting
agenda.
It was moved by Jim Oda and seconded by Rai Goerler that the minutes
of 12 March 2004 be approved as presented. Motion was called, passed
unanimously.
The board discussed the status of the new strategic plan. It was
moved by Roland Baumann and seconded by Charlie Arp that the plan
subcommittee reconvene to add action items, emphasis on the outcomes
and to be broader in scope. Jim Strider and Laurie Gemmill were added
to the subcommittee of Rai Goerler, Julie McMaster, and Charles Arp.
Motion was called, passed unanimously. At the August meeting a new
draft of the plan will be presented.
Pari Swift updated the board on the most recent meeting of the Electronic
Records Committee. Board discussed the current status of the ERC.
At 11:45, Bill Laidlaw invited the representatives from the World
Jewish Congress to join the meeting, introductions were made and the
lunch break began. The current draft of the World Jewish Congress'
grant was presented and OHRAB offered suggestions.
Following the presentation, Jim Strider discussed the Ohio Historical
Society's response to the House Select report. Status reports were
provided on several reviewed and future grants. Elizabeth Nelson joined
the board and provided an update on the Ohio Memory Project. Future
funding possibilities were discussed.
OHRAB administrative matters were reviewed and the conversation proceeded
to the public records coverage by the Ohio Newspaper Association.
Both of these topics will also appear on the August agenda.
It was moved by Roland Baumann and seconded by Kermit Pike that the
next meeting will be 20 August at the Ohio Historical Center. Motion
was called, passed unanimously.
After a brief update by Charlie Arp on the Archives 101, it was moved
by John Fleming and seconded by Jim Oda to adjourn the meeting at
1:55 p.m.
