Mechanics' Institute's Archives & Special Collections: an Inside Look with archivist Diane Lai

For the past 10 years or so, the Mechanics' Institute has been growing and establishing an Archives and Special Collection (A&SC) program to preserve our history and legacy. Since our archives and special collections are safeguarded in the Institute building's basement, this part of our organization has been somewhat hidden from the more public-facing aspects of the Institute. Join us to learn about the A&SC program, recent archival projects, and donations that we have received that enhance our history and perpetuate the importance of the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco.

Diane Lai has a master's degree in Library and Information Science with a certification in Archives. She joined MI in 2012 as the full time Public Services Librarian. Shortly thereafter, she also assumed the role of archivist at MI and worked with the consultants and interns to establish an archives and special collections program. In the past few years, with the help of grants, donations, and volunteers, the MI Archives and Special Collections program has become a permanent part of the Library and Institute. Since 2019, Diane has transitioned into her role as the sole, part time archivist at MI.