Archives: Do you really want to save that?

Every historical document, photograph, and print tells a story—but how do we decide which ones are worth keeping? The Miami University Libraries presents “Archives: Do You Really Want to Save That?” for an engaging look at the real-world decisions that shape our historical record. Featuring Allen W. Bernard, researcher and former President of the American Historical Print Society, this talk dives into the practical dilemmas facing modern university libraries. The central question is no longer just “Is this worth keeping?” but “Do we actually have the room to store it?” Bernard will shed light on the everyday balancing act archivists perform to preserve meaningful collections while managing limited space and resources. Beyond storage logistics, librarians and archivists act as essential guardians of free thought. During this lunchtime presentation, you will discover how preservation experts navigate cultural changes and push back against political or personal efforts to restrict ideas. Whether you are passionate about history or simply curious about how public knowledge is preserved, join us to see what it takes to keep our shared past alive.