Meeting #15: Archival Principles and Cultural Diversity: Contradiction, Convergence or Paradigm Shift? A Canadian Perspective

When: Monday, September 21st, 4-5 PM.

Where: SML 409

Text under discussion:

Terry Cook. "Archival Principles and Cultural Diversity: Contradiction, Convergence or Paradigm Shift? A Canadian Perspective." Comma: International Journal on Archives, 2007:3/4, p. 37-48.

PDF copy of the Cook Article

Abstract:

A tension exists between traditional notions of archival theory, and indeed the nature of theory itself, and the types of diversity that as a profession and in our specific institutions we seek to recognize and promote in archival practice. Traditional archival theory--arising as it did out of a particular cultural and historical milieu of nineteenth-century European bureaucracies--may work against diversity, overlook local community needs, and fail to appreciate the historical contingencies inherent to practice. Canadian archival theory and practice has reacted against this approach, celebrating diversity and seeking archival concepts, strategies, and methodologies that encourage multiple views and cooperation through diversity. This article explores examples such as total archives, new descriptive standards, a national archival network, inclusive macroappraisal, convergence of libraries and archives, and the impact of the postmodern critique on archives. These concepts are useful models for other countries in forwarding the agenda of achieving greater diversity in the world's archives.

Discussion leader:

Bill Landis