We are AIIP: Richard P. Hulser
Richard P. Hulser Consulting – Richard P. Hulser, President
In your bio, you describe yourself as an archives consultant. In two sentences, what specifically do you do?
As an independent archives consultant, I help clients identify, organize, protect, and promote their history through artifacts and materials. Often, I help clients assess what is historical for them or their organization and, therefore, worthy of being preserved and made available to interested parties.
In what kinds of situations do clients decide they need an archivist?
Clients hire me for several reasons. A client may have a collection of unorganized and poorly stored historical materials whose value could be realized if the items were known about and made accessible. The organization usually lacks archives management expertise or resources to hire a permanent staff person. Still, a consultant with that background can be very effective on a short-term basis. An organization may have archives experience on staff but may lack the time to focus on a particular segment of the collection that needs attention for a project or anniversary.
What is needed to succeed as an independent archivist?
It’s important to have a portfolio of skills and the ability to work independently. Consultants engage with clients throughout a project to ensure the outcome is appropriate. In addition to having deep knowledge of archives-related principles and practices, archives consultants must be able to work with their clients in ways similar to how an account and customer service manager works. I have often drawn on my experience managing corporate products, marketing, conducting training classes and workshops, and giving presentations to large and small audiences.
Archivists typically have a variety of backgrounds. Many have a degree in librarianship and then take courses in archives management; or they may have an archives degree. Others have education and experience in history or art with a concentration or training in archival studies and practices. I have education and experience as a librarian in a variety of sectors with additional courses and on-the-job experience in managing archives. My library job responsibilities have often included caring for special collections and institutional archive materials.
What is the best part of working as an archives consultant?
It is a privilege to be able to apply my knowledge and skills to projects that interest me and then to get appreciation and compensation for the work involved. There are challenges to be sure, but lots of joy in working for oneself and taking advantage of all the knowledge and experience gained over many years. In addition, I appreciate the freedom to decide what I want to do and when I want to do it.
Richard Hulser works with clients to effectively organize, preserve, and promote their history. His international experience in a variety of business, academic, and cultural sectors is combined with highly rated presentation and teaching skills to help clients address challenges in making effective use of content and technology to meet organizational goals and achieve success.
