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Interested in talking about “Archives Power”?

Most of you probably know about Rand Jimerson’s recent book Archives Power: Memory, Accountability, and Social Justice (SAA, 2009). Maybe some of you, like me, full of good intentions, even bought a copy and have it sitting on your shelf.

Not familiar with it? Here’s a blurb:

Grounded in historical and social theory, this analysis of the power of archives and the role of archivists in society calls for renewed emphasis on remembrance, evidence, and documentation as a means of securing open government, accountability, diversity, and social justice, within an archival ethics of professional and societal responsibility.

That sounds like a book we should all read, doesn’t it? (And maybe one that Jon Stewart should read as well.) Well, let’s start our new year’s resolutions a little bit early this year. Starting in January, I’m planning on hosting (on a separate blog) a group read of Archives Power, which I hope will draw in a lively group of participants. We’re very fortunate that the author, Rand Jimerson himself, has agreed to participate in the discussion too, which should make it an even more valuable experience for everyone.

If you want more information about the book, you can see the table of contents and excerpts from the chapters here, and you can order your copy here. If you’re interested in participating, leave me a comment (so I know some people will actually do this!) and you also might want to get a copy of the book and start reading. I think we’ll probably do a chapter or two every week, so you might want to do some reading ahead over the holidays. My thanks to Rand for agreeing to participate. Given the financial (and other) pressures that so many archives are under these days, I can think of no better topic for us to discuss in the new year. Hope many of you feel the same!

Advocacy | Kate T. | November 16, 2009 1:34 pm

32 Comments

By Amy Cooper Cary, November 16, 2009 @ 1:56 pm

I’m interested, Kate!
By Lance, November 16, 2009 @ 2:13 pm

Me too!
By Dee Dee, November 16, 2009 @ 2:41 pm

Me three! (No mocking comics, I promise…)
By Pete, November 16, 2009 @ 6:14 pm

I’d like to participate.
By Larry Cebula, November 16, 2009 @ 11:03 pm

Thank you for doing this. I do indeed have the book sitting on my shelf, or is it under that stack of papers… Anyway, I’m in.
By Noah Lenstra, November 17, 2009 @ 12:12 am

I would like to participate.
By t, November 17, 2009 @ 1:31 am

I’d love to hang out with you fun kids!
By Gudmund Valderhaug, November 17, 2009 @ 3:07 am

Yes!
By Jessica Miller, November 17, 2009 @ 5:53 am

Count me in, please. I’ve actually read the book already, but I’d love to talk about it with other folks who’ve read it.

This is a great idea–thanks for organizing it!
By Donna McCrea, November 17, 2009 @ 9:04 am

I’m in.
By Howard Lowell, November 17, 2009 @ 9:36 am

Count me in Kate. Thanks.
By Polina Ilieva, November 17, 2009 @ 10:15 am

Looking forward to it!
By Rand Jimerson, November 17, 2009 @ 10:47 am

Kate, Thanks for organizing this discussion. I will be glad to participate, answer questions, and join the ongoing discussion on these issues. I do hope that other participants in the book discussion will ask the tough questions and consider the potential ramifications of these ideas. My involvement will not be to defend my book but to consider all points of view, ask more questions, and perhaps explain any of my ideas or comments that are not clear to readers. I hope the book will stimulate further questions and new thinking about the issues facing archivists as well as scholars, researchers, and citizens affected by the legal, administrative, documentary, and historical aspects of recordkeeping and archives.
By Eira, November 17, 2009 @ 12:38 pm

I’m interested!
By Jason, November 17, 2009 @ 1:47 pm

I’m an archivist and I thought what Jon Stewart said was pretty true and funny! Get over yourselves!!
By Kate T., November 17, 2009 @ 1:50 pm

Jason–I was being sarcastic, which probably didn’t come through in the post. Yes, I think almost everyone thought the piece was funny and had a lot of truth to it.
By Kate T., November 17, 2009 @ 1:52 pm

Great to hear from so many people (including Rand himself) about this project. I’ve had a bunch of responses on Twitter and Facebook too. I’m working out the schedule and the details, so look for another post in a couple of weeks, and in the meantime, start reading! (Or at least get a copy of the book!)
By Shannon, November 17, 2009 @ 2:44 pm

Excellent idea! I’d love to participate. Rand has a great way of getting people thinking.
By Jason, November 17, 2009 @ 3:26 pm

Sorry!
By karen emily, November 17, 2009 @ 6:33 pm

I’d love to participate in this!
By Kathleen Roe, November 18, 2009 @ 7:50 am

I’m in–thanks for organizing this!
By Tessa, November 18, 2009 @ 8:42 am

I’d like to participate!
By Heather, November 18, 2009 @ 10:10 am

Sounds great– can’t wait to hear more!
By Jessica Sedgwick, November 19, 2009 @ 1:00 pm

I’m in too.
By Bill Landis, November 19, 2009 @ 8:43 pm

Count me in. Looking forward to the excuse to pull my copy off the shelf!
By Julie Herrada, November 23, 2009 @ 8:21 am

Count me in.
By H. Fox, November 23, 2009 @ 4:12 pm

I’d like to participate!
By mgschultz, November 28, 2009 @ 3:10 pm

Sounds good – I’m in!
By Stan Upchurch, December 23, 2009 @ 8:24 am

I’m in. I’ve a lot to learn and I look forward to the discussion.
By Toni Juliá, January 3, 2010 @ 4:49 pm

I think this is a great idea so I would like to participate too.