The iSchool welcomes a new lecturer this fall. Joshua Zimmerman is sharing his passion for research with graduate students in his MARA 285 Research Methods in Research Management and Archival Science course.

It’s only been a few weeks since the start of the fall 2015 semester at the San José State University School of Information (iSchool), and Joshua Zimmerman, the newest lecturer to join the esteemed faculty of the exclusively online Master of Archives and Records Administration (MARA) program, already has big plans for his students.

“I’m so excited to join the MARA program and the iSchool in general,” stated Zimmerman. “Over the years, I’ve been consistently impressed with the quality of its students, graduates, and faculty. Personally, I can’t wait to see some of the names on my course roster in conference programs and on publications.”

Zimmerman’s enthusiasm was apparent before classes even started. According to Dr. Patricia Franks, MARA program coordinator, he participated in a virtual open house for the MARA program and the new student orientation. “We are fortunate to have Joshua join the MARA program this fall to share his archival and records management expertise with our students,” said Franks.

Zimmerman is teaching MARA 285 Research Methods in Records Management and Archival Science this semester and brings a wealth of knowledge of the archives and records administration field. He currently works as an archivist and records manager for the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle in Seattle, Washington, where he performs records management training, policy development, archival processing, and reference.

In addition to work for the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, Zimmerman has experience as a records analyst for the city of Bellevue, Washington, and is actively engaged in professional organizations, serving leadership roles in societies such as Seattle Area Archivists and Northwest Archivists. Passionate about “the power of records and archives,” Zimmerman also writes about the field of archives and records administration on his blog and writes book reviews for the journal Archival Issues.

Zimmerman’s current research interests include collective memory, archival terminology, digital preservation, social justice, and the unbuilt environment. His teaching interests are varied and include archival collections, archival description, archives and records centers, electronic documents, records management, and, of course, research methods, the subject of MARA 285.

Zimmerman received his Master’s degree in History, Archives, and Records Management from Western Washington University and also holds a Digital Archives Specialist certificate from the Society of American Archivists.

More information about Zimmerman’s interests and work in archives and records administration can be found on his faculty profile.