The history and future of the community archives movement

CHICAGO — The community archives movement has become an increasingly important area of research, recognition, and appreciation by archivists, archival scholars, and others worldwide. Community archives are now seen as being in the vanguard of social concerns and markers of community-based activism. This participatory approach exemplifies the ongoing evolution of "professional" archival (and heritage) practice that recognizes the importance of people’s ability to articulate and assert their identity. “Community Archives, Community Spaces: Heritage, Memory and Identity,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, traces the trajectory of the community archives movement. Editors Jeannette A. Bastian and Andrew Flinn, alongside a host of contributors from the field, expand the definition of community archives to include sites such as historical societies, social movement organizations, and community centers. Complete with case studies on the challenges of building and sustaining community archives, chapters explore new definitions of what community archives might encompass, particularly in relationship to disciplines outside the archives.

Bastian is professor Emerita at the School of Library and Information Science at Simmons University in Boston, where she directed their Archives Management program. A former Territorial Librarian of the United States Virgin Islands, she holds an MPhil from the University of the West Indies and a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. Flinn is a Reader in Archival Studies and Oral History at University College in London, UK. He is the vice chair of the UK Community Archives and Heritage Group and joint coordinator of the Archives Cluster in the University of Gothenburg/UCL Centre for Critical Heritage Studies. He received his PhD from the University of Manchester, UK in 1999.

Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. Many book retailers and distributors are experiencing service disruptions or delays, including Amazon. For speediest service, order direct from the ALA Store. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.

Related Links

"Community Archives, Community Spaces: Heritage, Memory and Identity"

"Archives in Libraries: What Librarians and Archivists Need to Know to Work Together"

"Developing and Maintaining Practical Archives, Third Edition"