Andrew Elder
About Andrew Elder
Andrew Elder serves as the Interim University Archivist and Curator of Special Collections at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where he advises on strategic planning and digital preservation. He has extensive experience in archival management and community engagement, currently holding leadership roles in various projects related to LGBTQ history in Boston.
Work at UMass Boston
Andrew Elder has served as the Interim University Archivist and Curator of Special Collections at the University of Massachusetts Boston since 2017. In this role, he advises Healey Library leadership and administration on strategic planning and daily operations. He oversees the strategic growth of collections and programs, including the Mass. Memories Road Show. Additionally, he manages outreach associated with the campus institutional repository, ScholarWorks (Digital Commons), and advances the scholarly communication mission of the University through research and implementation of policies focused on authors' rights, copyright, and open access.
Education and Expertise
Andrew Elder holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Women's Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which he completed from 1999 to 2003. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science in Library and Information Science with a focus on Archives Management from Simmons University, graduating between 2006 and 2008. His educational background supports his expertise in archival practices and digital preservation.
Background in Archival Work
Andrew Elder has extensive experience in archival roles. He worked as an Assistant Archivist/Intern at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Supreme Judicial Court Division of Archives and Records for six months in 2006 to 2007. He then served as an Archivist Assistant at Wheelock College from 2008 to 2010 and at Children's Hospital Boston for one year in 2009 to 2010. His diverse background in various institutions has contributed to his skills in managing archival collections and developing preservation policies.
Involvement with The History Project
Since 2006, Andrew Elder has been actively involved with The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston as an Archivist and Chair of the Board of Directors. His long-term commitment to this organization highlights his dedication to preserving the history and contributions of the LGBTQ community in the Greater Boston Area.
Community Engagement and Program Development
In his current position, Andrew Elder develops programs and collection activities that engage both UMass Boston students and faculty, as well as communities outside the University. His focus on outreach and community involvement aims to enhance the accessibility and relevance of archival resources to a broader audience.