Reading Response Seven: Documenting Diverse Populations

College and University Archives: Readings in Theory and Practice

Chapter 5- “Giving It More Than the Old College Try: Documenting Diverse Populations in College and University Archives.”

By Kathryn M. Neal

This chapter is about documenting those who are traditionally underrepresented in archival repositories, focusing in on university archives.  Neal states that it is the university’s responsibility to attempt to interpret the times to meet the developing needs of society.  In order to do this the archives should also attempt to collect materials for diverse groups.  Citing Elizabeth Kaplan, however, best efforts cannot fully capture a collective identity of a group because there are individuals within the group with different identities.  Therefore, collecting materials does not guarantee the documentation of the true of full collective experience.  Archivists should attempt to document and represent several aspects of campus life.

The point that stood out to me the most is that archivists cannot simply wait for records documenting the lives of the traditionally underrepresented people to come into the archives.  Instead archivists need to be proactive in seeking these out.  They need to learn where to look and who to ask.  Forming relationships and establishing trust is also important.  Some groups may be distrustful, so first developing a relationship and understanding can help both the archives and that group document their history.  Cultivating allies such as subject specialists and professors can also help in gaining records.  Outreach is also an important tool.  Specialized subject guides and exhibits can build awareness.  Showing what the currently held at the archives demonstrates to others who may have similar materials that what they have is historically significant and could be donated.  I feel like people do not always understand what archives have and that the diary that they have from his or her time at the university would be a treasure to the archives. 

Another good point raised is that oral history projects can be a good way to fill gaps in the collection.  While I was at Ball State they digitized the Other Side of Middle Town Oral History Project which documented the African-American Community in Muncie.  Currently IU is working on a project to collect oral histories from alumni.  Hopefully this project will be able to collect from students of different backgrounds to gain a full, rich history of Indiana University.  Neal ends by saying that pursuing additional collections and projects may seem daunting, but it is important to stay viable and to fulfill the mission of the university archives.

Neal, Kathryn. “Giving It More Than the Old College Try: Documenting Diverse Populations in College and University Archives.” In College and University Archives: Readings in Theory and Practice, edited by Christopher J. Prom and Ellen D. Swain. Chicago : Society of American Archivists, 2008.