Training History Students in Working Archives.

MOST ARCHIVAL institutions have a continuing need for adequate personnel to process collections. An essential element in preparing prospective archivists and historians is the opportunity for the essential practice that leads to the mastery of basic professional skills. Too often, a promising archival collection lies untouched for want of a suitable index or inventory. Too often, a promising student does not develop full competence because of an academic program's inordinate reliance on theory or abstract exercises. Colorado State University's Department of History and the University Archives are cooperating to increase the accessibility of archival materials while providing graduate students with readily applicable training. Although not free of problems, these efforts have thus far produced some highly positive results.