Images of Lynda Klein (left) and Zachary Peach (right) hard at work processing inmate files.
When the COVID-19 pandemic mandates reduced on-site work for Nevada State Archives staff, physical projects built up and more records kept coming in. This included inmate files coming from Nevada correctional facilities, which are some of the most frequently and urgently requested documents held by the State Archives. Requests included Department of Correction's requests to seal records, re-entry of inmates into the system, individuals conducting family and general history research, and individual’s requests for their own records. When life returned to normal, the Nevada State Archives received $108,570.68 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to process 1,090 boxes out of the many thousands of boxes of inmate records held in the Archives. The goal was to fast-track the most recent files of former inmates and make them more accessible to those who need them.
To achieve this goal, two dedicated archives' technicians, Zachary Peach and Lynda Klein, were hired to accelerate the processing of the inmate files and digitizing standard twelve essential document types in each inmate file. The technicians exceeded the 1,090-box goal, processing over 1,500 boxes of records and digitizing the newly processed files. Individuals and families impacted by the justice system will be better served, directly and indirectly, from the file refinement and digital accessibility. Because digitization increases the availability of the files, Archives' staff will be able to more quickly fulfill records requests online to serve those who are unable to travel to the State Archives in person.
The Nevada State Archives is extremely grateful to Lynda Klein and Zachary Peach for their reliability, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail. They went above and beyond to make this ARPA project a resounding success!
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