UA Plank Center Launches Online PR Archival Directory

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A unique online community resource to aid in the search for archival materials relevant to public relations historians, students and practitioners has been launched by the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations at The University of Alabama.

The site, “www.prhistorywiki.org: the PRimary source,” was developed by Plank Fellow Dr. Meg Lamme, associate professor in the department of advertising and public relations, and Jennifer Land, a doctoral candidate in the College of Communication and Information Sciences.

“The PR history wiki is not only intended to serve as a clearinghouse for primary sources about people and organizations who are, or should be, woven into the larger public relations historical narrative,” said Lamme, “but it is designed to foster an online community of people interested in public relations history.”

Visitors to prhistorywiki.org can search for material by subject name, time period and professional sector or areas of focus. It also includes a list of theses, dissertations and recent scholarship on public relations history, as well as a compilation of public relations organizations. Visitors seeking to contribute information are asked to submit a free e-mail registration request through a site link.

Another important purpose of the PR history wiki is to provide education to practitioners about the importance of preserving their papers and materials. The site includes links to online resources providing guidance in how to go about donating papers to a repository.

In 2005, the UA Board of Trustees established the Plank Center, named for public relations leader and UA alumna Betsy Plank, to develop and recognize outstanding performance in the profession and the classroom. It sponsors research, national awards and service programs to advance the understanding and practice of ethical and responsible public relations.

In addition to national leaders in practice and education, the Plank Center Board includes an ex officio position for the president of the Public Relations Student Society of America, which represents more than 9,800 members in 295 colleges and universities.

The Center is housed in UA’s College of Communication and Information Sciences. UA’s public relations program, with nearly 600 students, is the largest undergraduate degree program in the College. The program is the 12th in the nation to be reviewed and certified by PRSA.