UT iSchool Alumni
Carly Dearborn
Public Policy Archivist, The Ohio State University
I am an associate professor and archivist who manages the Ohio Public Policy Archives, where I collect and preserve the records of Ohio’s delegation to the U.S. Congress. This work requires close collaboration with...
- Current role: Public Policy Archivist
- Organization: The Ohio State University
- Degree: MSIS, Archives and Records Management
- Graduation year: 2012
About the Work
I am an associate professor and archivist who manages the Ohio Public Policy Archives, where I collect and preserve the records of Ohio’s delegation to the U.S. Congress. This work requires close collaboration with congressional offices as well as archivists in both the House and the Senate.
The legislative branch remains the least well‑documented of the three federal branches. Senate and House committee records constitute the only official records of Congress; everything created in individual congressional offices is considered the personal property of the member. As a result, these materials are especially fragile and at risk of loss without intentional retention and preservation.
Yet these records hold incredible research value. They provide evidence of policymaking and legislative history while also capturing the stories of everyday Americans through constituent correspondence, district projects, and casework. Within these files, we can trace shifting public opinion and understand what people cared about at specific moments in time. These collections also document the work of the thousands of congressional staff members whose efforts make Congress function.
I also love that my career is mission‑driven, forward‑thinking, and deeply conscientious of the long‑term impact of the historical record. As a faculty member, I value the opportunity to engage with students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute scholarship that helps shape the future of the archival profession.
How the iSchool Prepared Them
My business management class! I hated it at the time but I deal with budgets way more than I ever thought (or hoped!) I would.
A Memorable iSchool Experience
When I was at the iSchool the Dog and Duck pub was still around - it served as our student union! We studied, relaxed, had meetings, and continued class discussions there. So many memories of that place. I can't believe it is gone!
Additional Reflections
I'm always proud when I tell people I'm a iSchool alum. I'm from the school of David Gracy, Patricia Galloway, and Ciaran Trace - what a lineage!