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Proposal: “Un-write the Future: Embodying Radicalism in Archives”
Submitted by Kim Schwenk (University of California, San Diego)
In order to characterize ‘radical’, it is within reason to define and contextualize it for an archivist perspective. The word ‘radical’ means “fundamental, of or going to the root or origin”.1 It can also mean “thoroughgoing or extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional forms.”2 As a basic principle, though, applied to an archivist and librarian methodology, the word reflects an essential reason to collect and preserve history and memory, as a means to represent equality, integrity, and justice by the people who create it. John A. Fleckner, Chief Archivist, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution said, “As archivists who maintain the integrity of the historical record, we guard our collective past from becoming the mere creation of “official history.”3 While this idea might seem inherent or presumptuous, is it radical?
Most official graduate level archives or library school programs do not involve structuring education to reflect collaborative integrity or confront bureaucratic injustices in the archives and library work place. This notion is assumed to be learned on the job. Therefore, many archivist paraprofessionals or new professionals either have fostered or turn to community activism and outreach to develop proficiencies in the library and archives profession because they either are not allowed to cultivate these abilities or have to contend with lack of managerial encouragement. The question remains, is it possible to democratize collecting with deep-seated, subversive materials and ephemera by actively establishing relationships with radical communities, challenge status quo competencies in the profession, and maintain pervasive collections all within the guise of institutional bureaucracies and politics? The short answer is, naturally! This essay will explore an individual archivist’s work who currently balances radical anarchist convictions with fundamental archivist ethics by asserting grassroots actions learned from cooperative teach-ins, front line ‘direct action’, and zine outreach. As technology corresponds with our society’s notion of information and historical creation, archivists are no longer bound by the bureaucratic “old guard” exclusivity of the profession. Archivists can have the opportunity to rise up to the challenge of what is kept, defend transparency, and promote open access, even if that means, ‘by any means necessary.’
1 “Radical”. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/radical
2 ibid.
3 Archival Education Collaborative. http://www.archiveseducation.info/
Proposal: “Un-write the Future: Engaging Radicalism in Special Collections”
Submitted by Kim Schwenk (University of California, San Diego)
Speakers: Arvid Nelsen (University of Minnesota), Cristina Favretto (University of Miami), and Kim Schwenk (University of California, San Diego)
In order to characterize ‘radical’, it is within reason to define and contextualize it for an archives perspective. The word ‘radical’ means “fundamental, of or going to the root or origin”.1 It can also mean “thoroughgoing or extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional forms.”2 As a basic principle, though, applied to an archivist and librarian methodology, the word reflects an essential reason to collect and preserve history and memory, as a means to represent equality, integrity, and justice by the people who create it. John A. Fleckner, Chief Archivist, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution said, “As archivists who maintain the integrity of the historical record, we guard our collective past from becoming the mere creation of “official history.”3 While this idea might seem inherent or presumptuous, is it radical? This seminar will feature Arvid Nelsen (University of Minnesota), Cristina Favretto (University of Miami), and Kim Schwenk (University of California, San Diego) who are currently democratizing their collections with deep-seated, subversive materials and ephemera by actively establishing relationships with radical communities, challenging status quo competencies in the profession, and maintaining pervasive collections all within the guise of institutional bureaucracies and politics. Additionally, we are currently seeking a moderator to facilitate this topic.
The session will identify collecting strategies for including radical and subculture into established collections, the difficult positions of institutional hierarchy and position vs. dissident grassroots movements and voices, and the challenges of balancing personal and activist convictions and reasonable professional ethics.
1 “Radical”. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/radical
2 ibid.
3 Archival Education Collaborative. http://www.archiveseducation.info/
Kim Schwenk 