Flowers After the Funeral: The Meaning of Libraries, Archives, and Museums in the Post 9/11 World

A presentation by:
Dr. Richard Cox
Professor, School of Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh


November 14, 2002, 4:30-5:15 PM
Informal Reception, 5:15 - 6:00
Special Events Room, McKeldin Library
University of Maryland, College Park, MD

The spate of book publishing, archival documentation projects, planning for memorials, and developing of museum exhibits about the events of September 11, 2001 seems to reflect a group of dedicated professionals ready to respond to one of the more dynamic and tragic events in recent history. However, these activities also pose interesting challenges to the nature and meaning of libraries, archives, and museums. This presentation will reflect on the potential long-term impact on the public perception of what these institutions are about and the implications for schools educating the professionals who work in such places.

Dr. Richard Cox is a prominent archivist and one of the nation's leading archival educators and a prolific author. He is the author of over 100 articles and a number of books, including Vandals in the Stacks? A Response to Nicholson Baker's Assault on Libraries (2002); Managing Records as Evidence and Information (2001); Closing an Era: Historical Perspectives on Modern Archives and Records Management (2000);and Documenting Localities: A Practical Model for American Archivists and Manuscripts Curators (1996). Dr. Cox is former editor of the American Archivist and is a Fellow of the Society of American Archivists.

Dr. Cox's visit is organized by the University of Maryland's College of Information Studies, University of Maryland Libraries, Student Archivists at Maryland, Mid Atlantic Regional Archives Conference (MARAC) Maryland Caucus and MARAC Washington DC Caucus.

The lecture is free and is open to the public. Reservations are not required. For directions to campus and parking information, please consult the University of Maryland's Web Site.

Dr. Cox will also be meeting with faculty members in the morning and with students in the afternoon.

For more information, please contact Marietta A. Plank, Assistant to the Dean for Special Projects (mplank@deans.umd.edu, 301-405-9301) or Bruce W. Dearstyne.