Shelby County resident brings wealth of experience
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2017) – Beth Shields was named state archivist and records administrator, and director of the Archives and Records Management Division at the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) today. Shields has worked for KDLA for seven years.
As state archivist, Shields will be responsible for leading the Archives and Records Management Division and overseeing records management services for state and local governments. She replaces Barbara Teague, who retired after 32 years at KDLA.
“I am delighted that Beth will continue her service to KDLA and to the citizens of Kentucky,” said State Librarian and KDLA Commissioner Terry Manuel. “Beth’s wealth of experience and knowledge has earned her great respect in the archives and records management field. I view her appointment as a sign of the state’s commitment to remaining in the forefront of governmental records management.”
The invaluable records held in the archives, dating from 1780 to the present, include records from each gubernatorial administration, and from all 120 Kentucky counties. The state archivist is also the coordinator of the Kentucky State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB), which provides advice, assistance and leadership to nearly 300 archival and manuscript repositories in the state.
Shields has more than 15 years of archives and records management experience, including working extensively with electronic records. She has been active in the Kentucky Council on Archives, the Society of American Archivists, the National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators, and the Council of State Archivists’ State Electronic Records Initiative.
Shields is the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award from the Society of American Archivists and the President’s Award from the Council of State Archivists.
“It is an honor to be appointed as the Kentucky state archivist. I look forward to supporting and strengthening KDLA’s nationally recognized archives and records management program. The work we do ensures that the people of the Commonwealth have access to public records and that researchers can explore the rich history of Kentucky,” Shields said.
Shields has a master’s degree in library science from the University of Kentucky. She previously worked at the Library of Virginia and the Kentucky Historical Society. At KDLA, she has served as electronic records archivist and manager of the Electronic Records Management Branch. Shields grew up in Frankfort and now lives on a farm in Shelby County with her husband Eric and daughters, Rory and Harper.
KDLA provides equitable access to quality library and information resources and services, as well as helps public agencies ensure that legislatively mandated documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained, and made accessible. For more information on KDLA resources, programs and services visit www.kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-1753.
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