Author: Sereen Suleiman

On November 3, 2021, SAASC hosted J. Paul Getty Trust Archivist and Records Analyst, Jennifer Thompson. The trust contains the cultural works of arts, heritage collections, and records from its programs, which include the Museum, the Conservation Institute, the Education Institute, the Information Institute, the Leadership Institute, the Research Institute, and the Getty Foundation. 

Thompson started off the presentation by introducing the founder of the Getty, Mr. J. Paul Getty, an oil tycoon who spent a great deal of his fortunes collecting vast works of art since the 1930s. In 1954, he opened a museum in Malibu, California, which would later become the Getty Villa. Twenty-two years later, in 1976, Mr. Getty passed away, and his 700 million dollar fortune was donated to his museum and trustees. Over time, the museum began accumulating art pieces to the point that it had no space available. As a result, another building was constructed alongside the 405 freeway by Brentwood, California (in Los Angeles County) and is currently the J. Paul Getty Trust, with the present-day Getty Villa solely a museum for antiquities.

According to Thompson, the institutional archives at the J. Paul Getty Trust collect and preserve the records of the organization. She did emphasize, however, that the archives and special collections are two DIFFERENT departments, even though both report to the research library. While artifacts housed within the archives are not open to the public, items for special collections are available for outside researchers and scholars.

When collecting items, the archivists focus on the questions of who, what, when, where, and what the object is. In fact, part of Thompson’s job as an archivist is to undertake records appraisal for review, classification, disposition, destruction, and/or transfer. As soon as she discovers records in the Record Center, she categorizes them and the owners are notified when the records are ready to be dispositioned. She also works with the Getty staff at all levels to interpret complex records policies and procedures. 

Towards the end of the session, she recalled several stand-out courses she took while she pursued a Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. The courses she recommended the most are cataloging and web design. Moreover, she took courses that expanded her knowledge, such as an electronic records course.

Keep a lookout for our last event of the Fall 2021 semester with Cyndi Shein from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Libraries on December 7, 2021. 

From all of us at SAASC, have a happy Thanksgiving!