PROGRAM REVIEW FOR CENTERS AND INSTITUTES
Center/Institute: South Central Coastal Information Center
Director/Administrator: Stacy St. James
College/Academic unit: Department of Anthropology, College of Humanities and Social
Sciences
Contact Information: McCarthy Hall 447 ext 5395
http://anthro.fullerton.edu/sccic/
Date: April 27, 2010
Name of primary authors if different
From Director/Administrator:
Self-Study
1. Mission
The South Central Coastal Information Center is part of the California Historical Resources
Information System which includes Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The mission of
the centers is to assist in long-term stewardship of California’s historical resources both physical
properties and documentary materials. The mission is executed through primary records
management, dissemination of information and through a variety of educational efforts. The
mission is linked to the University mission and goals and to department goals related to research.
2. Goals and Activities
The centers are responsible for the acquisition, integration, maintenance, and dissemination of
Archeological Site Records, Historic Property Records, USGS Maps, Historic Property
Directories, Archeological and Historic Reports and a professional consultants list for the state.
The main way for the dissemination of information is through records search process. The
centers also provide free public service by fielding daily questions and concerns that people have
regarding cultural resources and historic preservation. Clients for the center are located not only
in California and the country but from around the world.
3. Resources and Sustainability
The fiscal sustainability of the center appears strong. Since the center moved from UCLA to
CSUF in 2000 consistent funding, careful planning, conservative spending of funds has ensured
that the center is self-sustaining. The center’s average annual program income derived from feefor-service requests for the past three year period is $254,000. The center also receives an
annual grant of $4,000 from the state Office of Historic Preservation. The center has three full
time staff, one part-time staff, and one paid student intern. All interns are enrolled in
Department of Anthropology programs. The Center is presently housed in 477 McCarthy Hall.
4. Organizational Structure and Governance
The center is part of a state network of such centers coordinated by the state historic preservation
officer. The eleven center coordinators engage in weekly conference calls to discuss activities.
Sub-committees are often formed as needed to develop policies or procedures that are then
presented back to the group on the weekly calls. An annual meeting of center coordinators, state
officials and other guests takes place in Sacramento. Responsibility for the day to day operations
of the center including the implementation of the contract terms between the host institution and
Office of Historic Preservation is the role of the center coordinator. The center coordinator
reports to the Chair of the Department of Anthropology. In addition, the center coordinator has
the responsibility to see that procedures set forth by Auxiliary Services Corporation are followed.
5. Highlights and Accomplishments
The centers are presently working on the development of standards and procedures for the
electronic transfer of historical resources data between the Information Centers and the state
office of Historic Preservation. Once developed these standards and procedures will result in a
comprehensive, digital, statewide archive of cultural resource information. The eleven centers
were recently awarded the Thomas F. King award for excellence in cultural resource
management by the Society for California Archaeology. The center coordinator coordinates ongoing public and on campus outreach activities.
6. Planning and Strategic Outlook
As mentioned above a key goal of the centers is to develop standards to transfer paper
information into a digital format. When completed and approved these standards and procedures
will serve as the guidelines for centers operations and will be published as a manual. The
center’s strategic planning process is guided by three main goals which include consistently
meeting contractual obligations with the Office of Historic Preservation, maintaining a positive
and mutually beneficial relationship with the Department of Anthropology and the CSUF
Auxiliary Services Corporation and continue to serve the needs of the public with regard to the
preservation of collective cultural heritage.
7. Viability
The center makes the case that it is a viable entity. This is based on the consistent nature of the
center’s workload and the contractual relationship as the authorized archive for the state. In
addition, the center maintains adequate funds to cover all necessary operating expenses for the
current contract period and beyond. For the next three years there are no anticipated changes
with regard to contractual arrangement with the state or the CSUF Auxiliary Services. There is
leadership change in the college with the appointment of a new dean and the retirement of the
present department chair.
8. Appendices
Include a directory of the California Historical Resources Information System
Account Balance statement
Summary and Recommendation(s)
The South Central Coastal Information Center (Center) is one of eleven such
centers across the state of California administered by the Office of Historic
Preservation. The Center is the official repository of cultural resources for Los
Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties. The Center was relocated from UCLA to
CSUF in 2000. The Center conducts its activities through primary records
management, dissemination of information, providing technical advice and
sponsoring educational activities. Affiliated with the Department of Anthropology
the center has a coordinator who works closely with counterparts around the state
and with the Office of Historic Preservation. A main goal of the centers state wide
is to develop standards to transfer paper information to a digital format. The
Center’s resources to operate are derived mainly from service fees. Over the last
three years such fees accounted for $254,000. Aside from its services to clients
from the state, nation and internationally, the Center also provides internships for
students. The Center appears to have articulated clear goals, plans for the future
and provides an important contribution to the academic life of the University and a
valuable service to the state.
Reviewed by the Council of Deans
May 5, 2010
Action taken: Continuation
Gerald W. Patton
Director of Assessment and Educational Effectiveness