Receiving the award on behalf of the group were Sandra Block, Associate Dean of Public Services, Jacqueline Henning, Access Services Librarian, and Janet Rothhaar, Technical Services Librarian. Representing the SEFLIN Board was Dr. William Miller, Director of FAU Libraries.  Also at the Awards Luncheon, Sandra Block received a Collaboration Award for committee leadership. SEFLIN committee leaders are recognized by the Board President for their contribution of time, energy, and talent in supporting regional cooperation. Sandra was chair of the Library Administration and Management (LAM) Committee from 2002 to 2004 and is the Associate Dean of Public Services at the library. Sandra received the Collaboration Award from Dr. William Miller, Director of FAU Libraries, and the incoming chair of the SEFLIN Advisory Board.

New Department for the Library

Starting with the fall 2004 semester, the University/College Library (U/CL) on Broward Community College's (BCC) Central Campus has a new department and a new librarian. The new department is comprised of two areas, the BCC Archives and the U/CL Special Collections, and the new librarian is Andrew Dutka. Dutka, formerly the Coordinator of Special Collections and Archives at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and prior to that with the University at Buffalo Archives, is very excited about his new position. "It's not often that you get the opportunity to create a department from the ground up," says Dutka. "That, plus the chance to work in the supportive and creative environment at BCC were factors that helped me decide to relocate to South Florida."

The aim of the Archives is to systematically collect, preserve, and protect all archival material related to all BCC locations, starting with its inception as the Junior College of Broward County. BCC is leading the way with the establishment of an Archives and Special Collections department in a Community College. In the past, mostly four-year colleges and universities have established these types of departments. But now, community colleges are establishing archives.

"Because of their immediacy and quick response to change, most community colleges have not given much thought to collecting and recording their history. But now, as many community colleges approach their 50 year anniversaries or other milestones, there is reason to collect material and reflect on their accomplishments," Dutka says, "and the Archives are the natural place to collect this material."

He adds, "The Archives also serve another purpose. As BCC has continued to grow for the past 40+ years, so has the number of its successful alumni. The Archives can be utilized by the college as another avenue for alumni to donate material and stay involved with BCC, long after graduation. The Archives serve as the institutional memory of both the alumni and the college."

Fortunately, the library had the foresight to start collecting this material systematically about 20 years or so ago. Lydia LaCava, Associate Dean of Administrative Services, has been instrumental in amassing a large collection of material documenting the history of BCC. "Now it’s my job to organize it, and also to continue to search for and acquire more material," Dutka says.

Some interesting items found in the Archives include the 1957 Report to Broward County stating the need for a community college in South Florida, a circa 1960 tee shirt emblazoned with the Junior College of Broward County logo, a bronzed shoe from a faculty member, old catalogs, yearbooks and other publications dating back to 1960, the first academic year of the Junior College of Broward County, the original name of Broward Community College.

"I am asking all BCC faculty, administrators and staff, especially those who are retiring, to think of the BCC Archives when they clean their offices." Dutka says. "It's imperative that people realize that the 'old stuff' in their office has historic value and that the items reflect the individual contributions that make BCC the great institution it is today."

"There is nothing more exciting than getting a call from an alum or faculty member saying that they found things in their office or home that may be of interest and finding some treasure from the past that helps put BCC accomplishments in perspective," Dutka adds. "No item is too small and insignificant."

In addition to archiving material, Dutka plans to start a BCC oral history program, interviewing faculty, staff and alumni; and to create a BCC history database and website and to engage alumni, faculty and students through the resources available in the Archives.

"I am really looking forward to starting the treasure hunt at all the BCC campuses - please don’t hesitate to contact me regarding any of that 'old stuff' that is collecting dust in your office!"

Dutka may be reached at adutka@broward.edu or (954) 201 6577.