Celebrate Archives Month by Honoring the Accomplishments of an Ohio Archival Institution
The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board Achievement Award recognizes significant accomplishments in preserving and improving access to historical records in any format by an Ohio archival institution. All Ohio institutions responsible for archival records that provide public access to at least a portion of their collections are eligible. Eligible accomplishments include recent special projects or on-going programs that:

• build significant collections
• implement successful preservation strategies
• enhance access to archives
• develop effective digitization programs

Preference will be given to projects or programs that can be adapted for use by other institutions.

Deadline: 2015 TBD

Download⇒ OHRAB Achievement Award flyer (2014 – PDF)

• 2014
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010

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2014 Achievement Award

OHRAB is pleased to recognize the Greene County Records Center and Archives as its 2014 Achievement Award recipient. Since its establishment in 1996, the Greene County Records Center and Archives has been committed to both preserving and providing access to its public records of enduring historical value.

In 2011, the archives building housing records for Greene County was condemned as unsafe. Through joint efforts of the archives staff and other county departments, a new, convenient, environmentally sound location was selected and all records were carefully moved to the new location. The records have been newly inventoried and re-shelved, ensuring and improving public access that has remained a priority for the Greene County Records Center and Archives. Public outreach has now been added as a focus in order to call more attention to its collections and the valuable resources that local government records provide.

“The Greene County Records Center and Archives demonstrated painstaking, diligent effort in its successful removal and installation of valuable historic documents into a new archives location,” said Pari Swift, who led this year’s OHRAB achievement award committee in its search. “The exceptional commitment by dedicated staff to safely and quickly secure a new permanent location for its archives material could not be overlooked.”

The new location of the Greene County Records Center and Archives is 535 Ledbetter Road, Xenia, Ohio 45385 (http://www.co.greene.oh.us/index.aspx?nid=120).

Press:

• Xenia Daily Gazette: Archives receives state award (November 21, 2014)
• Xenia Daily Gazette: County honored by state board (December 18, 2014)

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2013 Achievement Award

OHRAB is pleased to recognize the Shaker Heights Public Library as its 2013 Achievement Award recipient. The Shaker Heights Public Library, in conjunction with the City of Shaker Heights Landmark Commission, created HistoricShaker.com, an online collection and reference tool capturing and cataloguing the architectural history of Shaker Heights homes dating as far back as 1915.  More than 1,000 volunteer hours were provided in the scanning of more than 10,000 index cards to create a searchable database highlighting the construction year, building materials, construction cost estimate and architect of Shaker homes.  In addition, a Smartphone app was created, allowing the public to view the digitally-recorded history of homes as well view a walking tour of Shaker’s historical landmarks, events, oral histories and people significant to the history of the city.

Judy Cetina, OHRAB Board Member, Ann Klavora, Shaker Heights Landmark Commission, and Meghan Hays, Shaker Heights Public Library with Shaker Heights Public Library plaque	OHRAB 2013 AchievementAward: Shaker Heights Landmarks Commission plaque

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2012 Achievement Awards

The Euclid Public Library was recognized for building a web-based collection documenting its city’s history from multiple perspectives and formats. The library has digitized residents’ family photos, high school yearbooks, and local newspaper editions. The web-accessible collection also includes recordings of City Council meetings, as well as oral histories, in audio and video format, revealing multiple perspectives on the history of Euclid. This impressive range of formats and documents has expanded the public’s ability to connect with its history. Beginning as a celebration of the Euclid Bicentennial, the Library has committed to continuing this project, creating an ongoing program.

The Clark County Historical Society was recognized for its perseverance and creativity in preserving Ohio’s local records. Like many counties, the Clark County Probate Court’s case files of wills and estate settlements, guardianship, and civil cases contain a wealth of information about the County’s history. The Clark County Historical Society brought together the expertise of staff, the enthusiasm of volunteers and interns, and a small grant for supplies to create a focused effort toward ensuring the preservation of and better access to these important local records. This project was not only ambitious, but creative in its use of resources – including the transformation of back-room activities into a public teachable moment. Because of space constraints, a significant amount of document processing occurred in the public reading room. Project staff and volunteers engaged visitors in the process, explaining how and why these records were being preserved.

Additionally, the following institutions were nominated: Miami University Libraries Digital Library, University of Akron Archival Services, and University of Dayton Libraries.

2012 OHRAB Achievement Award Flyer

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2011 Achievement Awards

The Licking County Records & Archives Department was recognized for rescuing and making available public county records not seen for more than a century and effective management of contemporary records via its Records Keepers’ Roundtable.

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County was recognized for its investment in a digital services department that has made thousands of rare historical materials available through its Virtual Library.

Additionally, the following institutions were nominated: Clermont County Records Management Division, the Clinton County Records Center and Archives, the Ohio University Libraries Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections, the Shaker Heights Public Library and City of Shaker Heights, the University of Akron Archival Services, and the University of Toledo Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections.

Press: Newark Advocate, “Coordinator to get state award” December 18, 2011

2011 OHRAB Achievement Award Flyer

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2010 Achievement Awards

Cleveland State University’s Michael Schwartz Library Special Collections Department has led the Cleveland Memory Project since its beginning in 2002. Institutions as diverse as the Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office, Berea Children’s Home, Rocky River Public Library, Hathaway Brown School, and Lakewood Historical Society have contributed materials from their collections to Cleveland Memory. Project partners have made more than 42,000 images and other historic items available online. Practicum and internship opportunities provide real world experience to students while bringing fresh from the classroom perspectives to practitioners. Cleveland Memory is a model of multi-institutional collaboration melding local collection knowledge, shared infrastructure, and professional development opportunities.

In 2006 the Montgomery County Records Center and Archives faced every archivist’s nightmare. Active mold, cracked spines on bound volumes, and inadequate storage threatened the existence of the county’s historic records. Through a systematic program of compliance with neglected records disposal schedules, environmental improvements and monitoring, and conservation treatment, Montgomery County Records Center and Archives staff have demonstrated that even monumental problems can be mitigated if approached with determination and creativity. The results of their efforts include reduced storage costs, improved access, and the confidence that the early records of Montgomery County will survive.

Press:

• The Cauldron, “Michael Schwartz Library Wins Achievement Award” November 29, 2010
• Cleveland Archival Roundtable Blog, “Words of Thanks from Bill Barrow” November 12, 2010

2010 OHRAB Achievement Award Flyer