Glynys Hohmann, team lead of government records at the Provincial Archives of Alberta, graciously agreed to an interview for my blog. I think you’ll enjoy learning about government records from her responses.

1. Can you tell us a bit about the Provincial Archives of Alberta?

The Provincial Archives of Alberta (PAA) preserves the collective memory of Alberta and contributes to the protection of Albertans’ rights and sense of identity.  It makes available for research both private and government records of all media related to the history and culture of Alberta, and serves as the permanent archival repository of the Government of Alberta.

The Provincial Archives of Alberta holds approximately 51,542 linear metres of government textual records; 4,360 linear metres of private records; 150,752 maps, plans and drawings; 1,788,695 photographic images; 69,739 objects of audiovisual holdings such as film, video and audio recordings; and 14,623 volumes of library holdings.

2. How long have you worked there and how did you become interested in the field?

I have worked at the PAA for nearly 4 years and in the information management field for almost 15 years. I became interested in a career in archives because it has allowed me to combine my interest in records with my appreciation for the history of the Province of Alberta.

3. What are your current duties and projects?

I am team lead of government records at the PAA.  In this position, I supervise and work with a team of archivists and technicians, who appraise, preserve and make available government records.  These records are only transferred to the PAA under approved retention and disposition schedules. Archivist work within with the Government of Alberta’s records management process and appraise record series on schedules to determine, sometimes in advance of the creation of the records, whether records will be permanently preserved in the PAA or destroyed.  One of the current priorities of the government records team is vital statistics records. Recent changes to Vital Statistics legislation and the transfer of new records regarding birth, death, and marriage events from the Office of Vital Statistics has led to changes in what records are made available at the PAA. The vital statistics records are well used and it has been exciting to help lead the change management process.

4. Can you share more about one of your favourite items?

There are so many interesting records housed at the PAA.  Currently, some of my favourite items are the indexes to vital statistics registrations. Although the registrations provide detailed information regarding the birth, marriage or death of an individual, the indexes are the key to finding specific registrations and are a critical tool in making these records available for the public. The PAA has digitized these indexes and will have them accessible through our website soon.

5. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself or your work?

The PAA is a wonderful place. I enjoy coming into work every day – not only do I work with great, friendly colleagues, but there are always new challenges for me.

Thank you, Glynys Hohmann!

You can learn more about the Provincial Archives of Alberta on their website.