[Libs-Or] New Heritage MentorCorps to serve libraries

[Kyle Jansson]

A new statewide network of 33 volunteer mentors trained in collections
care and emergency management will work directly with Oregon museums,
libraries and archives starting today. Mentors will voluntarily work
directly with Oregon archives, libraries and museums to improve the care
of cultural artifacts, and prepare for emergencies.

“People who care for these collections of historic objects and paper
are seeking more skills and knowledge to address issues of preservation
and disasters,” said Kyle Jansson, coordinator of the Oregon Heritage
Commission and the project director of the new Oregon Heritage
MentorCorps. “MentorCorps members will provide consulting, mentoring
and training on these topics in ways that meet the needs of the 1,000
cultural heritage organizations in Oregon.”

Mentors’ experience ranges from graduate students to retired heritage
executives with decades of experience. Mentors will work with
organizations in their region of the state. All nonprofit and government
archives, libraries and museums will be able to access the free
service.

“We appreciate the mentors giving these organizations directly skills
and knowledge,” said Jansson. “In the process of helping
organizations, the mentors are also indirectly supporting the heritage
of their own communities and regions.” 

The MentorCorps takeoff is funded by a grant from the federal Institute
of Museum and Library Services, and funds from the Oregon Heritage
Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Project partners include the
Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Library Association, Northwest
Archivists, Oregon Museums Association, Oregon State Archives, Oregon
State Library, Oregon Historical Society, Tamástslikt Cultural
Institute, and other organizations. 

The MentorCorps website is located at www.mindyourcollections.org 

Mentors, by region, include:

Portland Metro Region Mentors: Angela Arena, Hillsboro; Sarah Cantor,
Lake Oswego; Kathleen Daly, Clackamas; Todd Mayberry, Portland; Lloyd
Musser, Happy Valley; Quinn Robinson, Portland; Alex Toth, Portland; and
George Vogt, Portland. 

Willamette Valley Region Mentors: Dave Hegeman, Newberg; Dannie Helm,
Springfield; Heather Kliever, Eugene; Marie Longfellow, Cottage Grove;
Jennifer O’Neal, Eugene; Lindsey Stafford, Eugene; Sara Swanborn,
Salem; Ashley Toutain, Salem; Heather Woodward, Salem; and Rachael
Woody, McMinnville.

Coast Region Mentors: Tom Chandler, Toledo; Jerry Ostermiller, Astoria;
Jeff Smith, Astoria; Vicki Wiese, Coos Bay.

Central and Eastern Region Mentors: Patricia Dawson, Pendleton; Shannon
Maslach, Joseph; Randall Melton, Pendleton; Carolyn Purcell, The Dalles;
Christie Sweet, John Day; and Terri Washburn, Cove. 

Southern Region Mentors:  Wanda Chin, Ashland; Dorothy Cotton, Phoenix;
Terry Dickey, Ashland; Amy Drake, Medford; Debra Griffith, Ashland; and
Dru Ellen Smith, Ashland. 



Kyle Jansson, Coordinator
Oregon Heritage Commission
725 Summer St. NE, Suite C
Salem, OR 97301-1266
(503) 986-0673
FAX (503) 986-0793
kyle.jansson at state.or.us
 
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