1. O.K. so the article is kindof cheesy, but it gives you an idea of why people go into the archives field. Also, keep in mind that Fleckner is an archivist with the federal government and he feels strongly about his civic responsibilities. Fleckner's claim that, "what we archivists do is essential to the well-being of an enlightened and democratic society..." is a pretty bold statement. A Special Collection's archivist might say that their job is simply to help provide resources to the university and the public and how those resources are used is not their concern.
1. What do you think Fleckner feels are important skills for a potential archivist?

2. Based on this article what are some of the connections between the history and the archives professions?

Discussion Questions for "George Washington U. to Receive Jack Anderson's Papers..."

1. Is there an irony here when we consider Fleckner's assertions about the role of archivists in an "enlightened and democratic society" and what the FBI wanted to do with Anderson's papers?

2. In the article Tracy Mitrano is quoted as saying, "it would be very difficult not to see it as a slippery slope toward government controlling research in higher education and our collective understanding of American History." Is this an "alarmist reaction." I mean, after all, USU's second biggest source of revenue is the federal government through grants so they actually control much of research in higher education anyway.