Introduce yourselves . . . December 18, 2009
Posted by Kate T. in Administration.trackback
I thought it might be useful for all of us to give a little bit of information about our backgrounds before we get started, so I’ll kick it off. I’m Kate Theimer, the organizer and moderator this group read. I’m the person behind the ArchivesNext blog. I frequently write and give presentations about the use of social media and Web 2.0 in archives, as well as the larger scope of change in profession, sometimes referred to as “Archives 2.0“. I worked for several years at the National Archives in College Park before striking out on this more independent path. I received my MI from the University of Michigan.
If you’re going to participate in this conversation, leave a comment below introducing yourself. It’s not a requirement, so if you’d rather not, that’s fine. There is no formal way of “signing up” for this. Just do the reading, subscribe to the blog (or just bookmark it, if you’d rather) and join the conversation. Note that the tentative schedule is the previous post.
I suppose I should make it clear that in my role as moderator I will approve all comments that are relevant to the discussion, but if I think a comment is too inflamatory or disrespectful of the other participants, I will not approve it (or take it down if it has already been posted). I will contact the person responsible and ask him or her to re-phrase their thoughts and re-submit. This may never occur, but I just wanted to make sure the rules were spelled out. It’s ok to disagree or challenge, but don’t be jerk about it.
Ok, that’s out of the way. So, go ahead and tell us a little about yourself while we’re waiting to kick this thing off in January.
Reading "Archives Power" 
Thanks for setting this up, Kate. You are too cool for school!
Hi all. My name is Terry. I’ve worked as an archivist for 23 years now – 10 at the Oregon State Archives, a couple at Pacificorp, and 11 at Multnomah County (Portland, OR). I blog at terryx.wordpress.com (not nearly as cool as ArchivesNext, but a guy can dream, right?), twitter via @terryx666 and other such stuff. I like long walks on the beach, summer sunsets, and puppies.
Hi, everyone.
I’ve worked about thirty years–twenty-nine, I guess, in archives, first at Weber State in Ogden, Utah, and for the past twenty-one at the University of Hawaii. I try to get my exercise via walking, but do not do enough. I love trains–the little boy in me is still very much alive. I do some photography for fun. My partner and I are owned by a sweetheart of a cat.
Hi Kate,
My name is Marylene, I’m a student in my final-year of Information Science in Switzerland. My bachelor’s thesis will deal specifically with Archives 2.0 in Scotland. I also started up my blog marylenelittlecorner.wordpress ) a few months back but scarcely have time to blog, especially since it’s my final year. Some people at Archives 2.0 Ning have recommended you and your book as an expert source for my upcoming work. Looking forward to participate in this discussion.
Hi Marylene (and Terry and Jim, of course),
So glad you’re participating! I think reading this book will be a great complement to the other things you are probably considering for your thesis. Don’t be shy about speaking up and asking questions or sharing your thoughts. This should be a very friendly group, I think. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.
Kate
Hello,
I’m am currently an archivist at LSU’s Hill Memorial Library. I’ve been meaning to read Rand Jimerson’s new book and I’m interest to get other archivists’ take on it. I’ve been working on an article about social theory and archival education, and I’m hoping to incorporate some of his analysis as I revise and ready for submission. Anyway, this sounds like a fun project and I look forward to discussing the book with everybody.
Brad Wiles
Baton Rouge, LA
Hi!
My name is Michele Gibney and I graduated with my MLIS from San Jose State last year. I’ve worked in archives as an intern for a little over a year at Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland, CA and the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, CA but am now looking for full time employment. I want to read Jimerson’s book and join the conversation to further my education and understanding of archives and their purpose in society. I’m looking forward to reading and discussing the book with everyone!
-Michele
Kate and everyone else.
Great idea! My name Josh and I’m currently in records management at the City of Bellevue. I’ve been there for a few years and before that, was at the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies. I recently graduated from WWU in 2008 with a MA in History/Archives and Records Management. Rand’s book is right in my wheelhouse; I wrote my MA thesis about issues similar to the ones that Rand tackles. I enjoy smooth jazz, and easy drinking ArchivesNext and Beaver Archivist lite.
Hello all,
I’m Stewart Plein. I ‘m a recent, Aug. 2009, MLIS graduate from the University of South Carolina. Acquiring my masters degree was part of a mid life change for me. Before graduate school I was an antiquarian bookseller,volunteering in the rare book room at West Virginia University. I loved it and changed my direction. My focus has been rare books but I would love to know more about archives. I’ve blogged about some of my experiences. I read Jimerson’s work in school and enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to the discussion.
Hi,
My name is Peterson Brink. I am the Assistant Archivist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Looking forward to talking shop with my esteemed colleagues!
Pete
Hello everyone! My name is Lindsey Loeper and I have been the Special Collections Archivist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County since 2007. I’m really looking forward to reading Jimerson’s book and hearing what you all have to say! I am on twitter at @dailyarchivist.
greetings all:
My name is Grace Lile. I’ve been an archivist for over 2 decades, and currently manage the archives at WITNESS, a human rights organization based in Brooklyn, NY. I blog at archive.witness.org, twitter @gracelile. I read ARCHIVES POWER last fall and love the idea of engaging in a virtual book group.
Hello, everyone. My name is Bonnie Weddle, and I’ve been with the New York State Archives for almost ten years. Since 2004, I’ve worked largely with electronic records, but I cut my professional teeth as a description archivist and my heart still flutters at the sight of a well-crafted MARC record. If I’m not fiddling with old storage media, trying to figure out how to automate the processing of electronic records, or doing budget paperwork, I’m reading voraciously, watching film and TV shows on DVD, photographing stuff, and waiting on a pair of cats. My blog, which you’ll find at larchivista.blogspot.com, wants to be ArchivesNext when it grows up.
My name is Lori Lindberg and I am a faculty member at San Jose State University’s School of Library and Information Science, teaching courses in archives and records management. I’m also an archival consultant and my work takes me down many paths, primarily documenting or helping to document communities that have traditionally been less-represented in the archives. Rand’s book echoes many themes that have come up in my lectures over the years. I look forward to traveling THIS path with all of you!
Greetings,
My name is Jeanne Kramer-Smyth. I blog about archives, technology and their intersection over on SpellboundBlog.com and tweet @spellboundblog. I finished my MLS at University of Maryland, College Park in their Archives program this past spring. My career history started with many years of database software development and then meandered over to web development, search engine optimization and Web 2.0.
I am really looking forward to this group read!
Hi all,
My name is Desi Pratiwi and I graduated with MIM from UNSW Sydney-Australia. So far I have been working for 23 years at the National Archives of Indonesia. I am glad to wait reading and discussing Rand’s book but want to buy first off course.
Hi all, my name is Desi Pratiwi and graduated with MIM from UNSW Sydney-Australia. I have been working for 23 years at the National Archives of Indonesia. Looking forward to read and discuss Rand’s book but have to buy it first.
Hi all, my name is Desi Pratiwi and graduated M0i0m from UNSW Sydney_Australia. I have been working for 23 years at the national archives of Indonedia. Looking forward to read and discuss Rand’s book, but have to buy it first.
Hi–it’s Kathleen Roe. I’m a verrrry long ago (30 years) graduate of Wayne State University’s archival administration program, and now manage the archives and records management programs at the NY State Archives. I feel strongly about the value of archives (using the broad meaning to include personal and institutional), and am embroiled with efforts to pass federal legislation to bring federal formula-based funding to all the states for regranting to archives, libraries, etc. Rand’s book, like a lot of what Rand says at professional forums, provides another “lens” through which to consider the values of archives, so here I am.
My name is Megan Hibbitts and I am a job seeking archivist from Los Angeles, CA. I just moved here recently from NYC where I worked at Columbia University, Brooklyn Museum, and The Bronx County Historical Society. I will be starting my MA (and eventually my PhD) this fall in US history with subfields in urban studies and public history. I am very much looking forward to reading this book. I can be found on Twitter at @mhibbitts80
Megan
Hello. My name is Lara Michels. I am archivist and librarian at the Magnes Museum in Berkeley, California. I think this is a great idea! Looking forward to some lively discussion.
Hello. My name is Noah Lenstra and I am a student at the Graduate Student of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois. I am looking forward to this new spin on the reading group.
Hi all, my name is Desi Pratiwi and graduated MIM from UNSW Sydney-Australia. I have been working for 23 years in the National Archives of Indonesia. Looking forward to read and discuss Rand’s book, but have to buy it first as I haven’ it yet.
Hi,
I am Eric Ketelaar, Professor Emeritus of Archivistics at the University of Amsterdam, The Netehrlands.
In 2000-2001, during my year as a visiting professor at the the University of Michigan (School of Information) I taught a class on social memory – and ever since I have been reading, teaching and writing about social/cultural/collective memories (plural). I was priviliged to be quoted in Rand’s presidential address (see now his book Archives Power, page 2, 6, 7 [I am not in the index :-)]. When I contributed a chapter “Recordkeeping and Societal Power” to the Australian book “Archives: Recordkeeping in Society” (2005) I used a quote from Milan Kundera as amotto – I am thrilled that Rand has done much more with Kundera (in chapter 3) than just on quote.
Because I consider Rand’s book such a major contribution to archival literature I asked SAA for a copy to review it in Archival Science. While working on that review I hope t benefit from (and contribute to) the Reading Group.
Helloooooo,
My name is Autumn and I finished my MLIS with a concentration in Archival Studies in December 2008. Jobs have been tight so I’ve been volunteering as an archivist at the Library of Virginia for nearly the last two years and participating in any ongoing educational opportunities that I can. I saw a post about this reading group on the Archives Listserv and I’m looking forward to it!
Hello, my name is Chana Kotzin. I coordinate an independent archives project in western New York that operates as a community-university cooperative. See: http://library.buffalo.edu/archives/jbap/ I am interested in using an archives collecting program as a community revitalization tool, so I am interested in the general field of archives and activism. I think this will be very interesting. Thank you for organizing this. Heading off to the SAA website to order book now! Would be interested in a slightly longer read time than two weeks, though I do recognize the danger of drift!
Hello! My name’s Marti – I’m halfway through the MA/MS history/archives program at Simmons, and I suppose I’m just keeping my skills up during break. The book looks really interesting (although I have yet to crack it open), and I figure reading it with a group of people will probably be the best way to get the most out of it!
(You can find my archives list on Twitter at http://twitter.com/versonic/archives – if your archives / archivist account isn’t on there, please let me know so I can add it!)
Hello everyone,
I’m Julia Noordegraaf, Assistant Professor at the Department of Media Studies, University of Amsterdam (and thus a former colleague of Prof. Eric Ketelaar, see above) and Program Director of the international MA Preservation and Presentation of the Moving Image. I’m looking forward to reading this book which is highly relevant for my upcoming book, Performing the Archive, which studies the impact of reusing audiovisual archival material (on the web, in documentaries, art works etc.) on the epistemology of the archive. I also teach a course in Archival Theory so perhaps next year we’ll use something from this book as well!
Hi all,
Thanks for setting this up Kate. I’m Howard and currently on the staff of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. I’ve been working in government archives for more than 40 years and prior to coming to NARA was a state archivist and records administrator in two states.
Hello All:
My name is Sarah Jackson and I’m the Harris County Archivist in Houston, Texas. I’m looking forward to an online discussion — never having participated in one before — and reading a book with assignments and deadlines again. I am passionate about the value of local government records and gaining public access to them.
Have a wonderful holiday.
Hello all. My name is Tessa Fallon. I am currently a web collection curator at Columbia University Libraries. My work is focused on the development of a Human Rights Web Archive. I hold a MLIS, and a certificate in Archives and RM, from the Palmer School of Library and Information Science. Prior to working at Columbia, I worked as an independent consulting archivist for various non-profit organizations. In addition to web archiving and human rights, I’m interested in ICTs in developing countries, memory and identity, and many other things…I’m looking forward to this discussion!
Hello! I am Jennifer Graham. I graduated from the SLIS program at the UW-Madison in 2007 and have been employed (in the Archives) at the Wisconsin Historical Society since 2005. I love this idea and the topic. My background is in Anthropology, so I always find discussions about power and society (and archives) intriguing. Looking forward to reading the book a second time and fueling the discussion! I enjoy warm weather (living in the wrong place), meeting new people, and creative endeavors! I do not blog nor do I twitter, but if you want to contact me, try my email or look me up on Facebook!
Hello All,
I’m Rebekah. I work for the Arizona Historical Foundation as a photo preservationist. I’ve been working here for 3 years now (oh how time flies). I received my MA in photographic preservation and collections management from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. So I have a thing or two to say about visual media in arcives. I’m looking forward to everyones thoughts.
Hello All,
My name is Megan Bezzo and I’m a relatively new archival professional. I graduated last spring with an M.A. in History/Archives and Records Management from Western Washington University. I worked briefly at the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies and have spent the last year and a half with the Washington State Archives, where I currently work in records management.
I look forward to some lively discussion about some of the topics in Rand’s new book! Thanks, Kate, for facilitating this great opportunity!
Howdy – I’m Courtney Mumma, Digital Archivist at the City of Vancouver Archives in British Columbia, Canada. However, as per the greeting, you can take the girl out of Texas but never the Texas out of the girl. As a student, I frequently quoted Jimerson and am looking forward to participating in the discussion online.
On a personal note, I love music and my asthmatic kitty, Boxer.
Hi, all,
I’m Honor Moody. I have an MLIS from Simmons with a concentration in Archival Mgmt., but I am currently working as a printed materials cataloger (mmm, well-crafted MARC…) at the Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in American (Cambridge, MA). I’m especially interested in records and record keeping practices as they reflect and construct relationships between citizens/subjects and the state. I, too, look forward to the upcoming discussion, and am hopeful that our multiple perspectives will allow a richer understanding of both Rand Jimerson’s book and the ideas that he discusses.
Susan D’Entremont here. I haven’t yet received the book, so I may be a little behind in the discussion, but I’m looking forward to tagging along. I am currently the Regional Archivist for the Capital Region (Albany-area) of New York, at least until December 31, when our money may be temporarily halted. (Then I may have lots of time to read the book!) I am also the Digital Project Manager for the Capital District Library Council’s Digital Collections. I’m another UW-Madison grad (1998). I have worked in the archives of the Wisconsin Historical Society and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library.
I’m a long-ago product of the University of Wisconsin/State Historical Society of Wisconsin, mostly retired after 25 years at the Smithsonian. I’ve used Rand’s presidential address in my introduction to archives course at George Washington University’s Museum Studies Department. I look forward to the conversation.
Hi, I’m digital initiatives coordinator for Ohio University Libraries in Athens. I’ve been an archivist specializing in the digital for a dozen or so years since graduating from UT-Austin. I’m on Twitter as @jcarletonoh (mostly lurking). My corner of the state is pretty barren of archivists so I look forward to this reading group!
Hello All –
I’m Alison Stankrauff, the Archivist (as well as a librarian) at Indiana University South Bend. I’ve been at IU South Bend as the sole archivist (read: lone arranger) since 2004. Before that, I was a reference archivist at the American Jewish Archives, before that, a technician at the Reuther Archives at Wayne State University – where I got my Archives degree…
I’m really looking forward to being a part of this group… I have the book – I’m doing some research and writing on issues of ethics, so this is perfect!
I’m an avid bicyclist (yes, even in Midwestern Winters!), and in constant adoration of my two cats… And love to engage in conversation with fellow archivists.
Hi everyone,
I’m Lisa Mangiafico, an archivist at heart, but primarily a senior non-profit manager by day (although all things information are in my job description!) for Soroptimist International of the Americas My own personal archival interests, after years of consulting for such groups, are small, community-based archives, including local governments, where you find such wonderful history and information. I’m looking forward to joining in the discussion after I finish editing a community history in mid-January!
I’m a recent graduate of the University of British Columbia MLIS/MAS (Archival Studies) program, and am just getting the ball rolling toward a Public History Ph.D program. Also, for a little over a year, I have served as the archivist for the non-profit Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls in Portland, Oregon. (How many archivist can say they get paid in drum lessons?) I’m interested in ephemera and documentation of DIY culture.
Hi, I’m Pat Whatley, I’m and archivist and Director of the Centre for Archive and Information Studies at the University of Dundee in Scotland. We blog and twitter at http://archives-records-artefacts.blogspot.com/ and @CAIS_archives. Rand’s book is terrific, we recommend it to our archive and records management masters students, and I’m looking forward to the dsicussions. We’ve had a bit of snow here in the UK in the past few days and the country has just about closed down! It’s very seasonal though.
Hi, I’m Pat Whatley, I’m an archivist and Director of the Centre for Archive and Information Studies at the University of Dundee in Scotland. We blog and twitter at http://archives-records-artefacts.blogspot.com/ and @CAIS_archives. Rand’s book is terrific, we recommend it to our archive and records management masters students, and I’m looking forward to the dsicussions. We’ve had a bit of snow here in the UK in the past few days and the country has just about closed down! It’s very seasonal though.
Hi, my name is Lance and I recently received my MSI form the University of Michigan. For the past year I have worked as the Digital Preservation Projects Coordinator at ICPSR. I am also the editor of the NewArchivist.com blog and Twitter at @NewMSI. I have been working on an article that touches on the topic of the power of access to the documentary record, and am really looking forward to taking part in this discussion (now I just have to go buy the book). Thanks!
Hi All –
My name is Charity and I am based in Portland, Oregon but work in DC as a Records Manager/Database Archive Designer/Administrator for The Smithsonian Institution. I have been a consultant in the Records Management field for about 4 years. I am passionate about what we do and I look forward to the conversation!
Hello, I am a student in my final year of the MLIS Degree and Archives Concentration at Queens College in New York City. I am interested in the intersection of archives, technology and politics. This sounds like a great project to hear some views of those working in the field.
Hi, my name is Robin C. Pike and I am the Audio Visual Archivist at The Catholic University of America in DC. I graduated in 2007 from the University of Pittsburgh with an MLIS, specializing in Archives and Records Management. I am most interested in audio and moving image media, and how to publicize collections. You can find me online at http://www.robincpike.com and http://www.socialavarchivist.blogspot.com.
Hello, I am Assistant Archivist at the Texas General Land Office and a recent graduate of the U-Texas iSchool. I’m excited about hearing everyone’s comments and having some company while reading the book. I’m looking to the reading group to make me a more informed archivist.
Hi, my name is Emily Gibson and I’m a recent grad of Wayne State University’s School of Library & Information Science. I’m a computer lab tech and volunteer at the Michigan Opera Theater’s Allesee Library and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and just finished a project at the Walter P. Reuther Library of Labor and Urban Affairs. I spent my teens with my head buried in Victorian era novels, my 20s with it buried in indigenous literature and am looking forward to making archival literature the staple of my 30s.
Hi, my name is Rebecka Sheffield and I am a first-year doctoral student in the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto. I have just completed my Masters in archives and records management. My research focuses on how archivists administer queer archives balance access to information and privacy, the professional duties of archivists, the role of archives in marginalized communities. She has worked with Wendy Duff as a research assistant and currently volunteers with the Community Engagement Committee at the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA).
Hi, my name is Paul Wester. In June I will complete my 20th year at the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). I currently serve as the Director of Modern Records Programs in College Park, Maryland. Most importantly, I am a “Terp for Life,” having received a BA in American diplomatic history in 1989 and an MLS and MA from the HiLS program at the University of Maryland in 1992.
On a more personal note, I eat one serving of freshly-cooked oatmeal (McCann’s steel-cut) every morning and run between 3 and 8 miles (almost) every morning before heading to work.
Thanks, Kate, for setting up the reading group. I am really looking forward to the reading and the discussion.
I’m Lincoln Cushing, currently underemployed and working as an archival consultant, most recently Clorox and Kaiser Permanente. Libraries and archives are a second career for me (after printing), but I’ve been a social justice activist all my life, which I’ve carried over into this field. I was very involved in the Progressive Librarians Guild and our union at U.C. Berkeley. My particular passion is digitizing and cataloging political posters, and I’ve written several books on the subject. I’m negotiating a three-year position with a major collection I’m bringing in, and will be either at the Oakland Museum of California or back at the Bancroft Library.
Hi all, I’m Sharon Silengo, Photo Archivist for the State Historical Society of North Dakota. I received my MLS from University of Arizona, Tucson in 1998, became a Certified Archivist about two years ago and just finished an Advanced Certificate in Archival Administration through University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
I’ve been the Photo Archivist here in North Dakota for over 10 years and am very interested all things archival, but especially these new developments in the field. I look forward to discussing the book with everyone.
My name is Mike Lotstein and I am an Assistant Archivist at the Arizona State University Libraries, Department of Archives and Special Collections. I have been with the department since 2000 and I am looking forward to participating in this project.
My name is Donna McCrea and I manage the Archives & Special Collections department at the University of Montana in Missoula, where I am actively involved in everything from appraisal to reference. I’m a graduate of UW-Milwaukee’s MLIS program and have been an archivist for 10 years. I’m 2/3 through Rand’s book and looking forward to my first ever online book discussion.
Hello, my name is Yvonne Loiselle and I graduated from LSU with an MLIS, concentration in archives, in 2004. Since then I’ve studied in Canada and upon returning to New Orleans in 2006 I’ve worked at the New Orleans Notarial Archives, first as director of digital projects and then as the archivist. I am now employed as an independent archival contractor. I’m usually a lurker when it comes to listservs, so this might be my only post; however I’m very much looking forward to the readings and “listening in” on others thoughts.
Hi! My name is Stan Upchurch. I’m the archivist of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. I was appointed to the post in 1992. I got all of my trainig “OJT”.I was a history teacher for 25 years and the Bishop felt I could do the Job.Our facility has gone from a smal one room location to a large area that covers one floor of the Diocesan center. Since becoming a member of SAA ans SSAa i’ve attended worshops and classes to help me know what I’m supposed to do . I began reading the book and look forward to lurking in the shadows as I learn more.
Hi, I’m Jacqueline Haun, archivist for the Lawrenceville School, which is a private, co-educational, boarding high school which is celebrating its bicentennial this year. I graduated from the University of Michigan’s School of Information in 2000 and have been in my current position since. Because our school has changed dramatically over the course of two centuries (we started as an all-male, white Protestant school that is now coeducational, multicultural and multi-faith), I’m acutely aware of the role our archives play in explaining those changes to today’s students and alumni. I’m looking forward to reading the book and reflecting on the broader meaning of archival stewardship.
Greetings!
I am Cecilia Lizama Salvatore, and I teach at Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois. I started at Dominican in August, but prior to that I was at Emporia State University, where I developed the archives program.
I was Territorial Librarian and Archivist on the U.S. Territory of Guam prior to going to UT-Austin for my doctorate.
I am particularly interested in this topic of archives and power.
Cecilia
Hello, my name is Anke Voss. I graduated from the UMass-Amherst with a MA in history, and SUNY Albany with an MSLS. I have worked as an archivist since the early 90s and I am currently the director of the Champaign Co. Historical Archives in Urbana, IL. I am also a lecturer at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I have taught the introductory course to archives for a number of years, and this semester, for the first time a course on community archives. I am looking forward to participating in this reading of Rand’s book; his writings have long inspired me and my students to recognize the significance of archives to our understanding of the past . . .
Hello,
My name is Micah messenheimer. I’m a student in the MLIS/Archives program at the University of Denver concurrently earning a degree in Art History/Museum Studies. I’ve written several papers on archives and human rights and read Rand’s essays in the process. I’m excited to read more and hear everyone’s viewpoints on the book. I’ll make an effort to contribute if my schoolwork doesn’t get too overwhelming.
Hello!
My name is Elizabeth Skene & I’m working on my MILS at the University of Michigan’s School of Information, specializing in Archives & Records Management and Community Informatics. This book seems to combine my passions and I’m really looking forward to reading and to be apart of this discussion!!
Hello. My name is Karen Emily Suurtamm and I received my Masters in Information Studies (Archival Studies) in 2008 from the University of Toronto. I’m working as archivist/records manager at Victoria University (a federated university at the University of Toronto) and am very interested in the intersections between archives and social justice. In particular, I’m currently doing work on how we can incorporate considerations of social justice in impact studies that try to assess/articulate the impact of archives on society. I’m excited to discuss this book with such a great group.
[…] I mentioned in an earlier post. I got the courage up today to post a short introduction in their welcome post [I'm number 61, down at the […]
I’m Michael Nagy, Director & Archivist at The Salvation Army Historical Center at Evangeline Booth College in Atlanta. I have an MLIS from Valdosta State and MHP (Heritage Preservation) from Georgia State. My present interests are in hybridization, balkanization, and convergence in cultural heritage institutions. I lean towards the profession staying more closely affiliated with the context of history versus information science. And I tend to be skeptical about the value of much of the relativism and postmodernism abounding on the theoretical side of the profession these days. I’ll be interested to see where this goes.
Hi, my name is Ruth Cody and I am working on a double masters in public history and library science specializing in archives at North Carolina State and Univeristy of North Carolina. Last semester I did a historiography paper focusing on the ramifications of the post-modern concept of archive power based on Archives Power and four other books. I am excited to be a part of this conversation and see what everyone else thinks. Thanks for this unique opportunity.
Hello,
My name is Ian Burnett and I am the Territorial Archivist, Yukon Archives, in Whitehorse, Yukon. This has been my position for the last 6 years. I am very pleased to particpate in this group and am looking forward to reading the book (staretd last week!)
Hello all,
My name is Harrison and am currently in the dual Masters of Archival Studies/Master of Library and Information Studies program at the University of British Columbia. I am originally from Honolulu and completed my undergrad in Stockton, California. I look forward to participating in this group!
Hello, my name is Joy Kingsolver. I’ve been an archivist for 14 years, and currently work at the Shel Silverstein Archive in Chicago. I have an MA in history and an MLS from Indiana University. I’ll be a bit behind the discussion, as I’ve just ordered the book, but I’ll follow along as best I can. This is a great idea, and I’m looking forward to the discussion!
Hello everyone,
My name is Julie Judkins. I graduated from the University of Michigan with a dual degree in Archives & Records Management and Library & Information Services. I work as a digital librarian/archivist at The Center for the History of Medicine, which is the historical research unit of the University of Michigan Medical School.
I’m looking forward to reading Jimerson’s book and discussing it with you.
Hi everyone,
My name is Kirsten and I work in the Records Services area at Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia. A few of us here at VU have decided to join this discussion and we’re very happy that our books have now arrived – just in time! Prior to working at VU, I worked at the Public Record Office Victoria, and have a background in libraries. I have a Master of Information Management and Systems from Monash University, and can be found on twitter under the username @ktaines. I look forward to participating in this discussion!
Hello,
My name is Antonina and I’m currently employed as the University Archivist @ Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia. Before this I worked for the National Archives of Australia and the Public Record Office Victoria. I hold a BA in Creative Arts and a PhD in Social History/Literary Studies. Looking forward to reading the book (now it’s finally arrived!) as well the discussion comments of this diverse group.
Hi – My name is Adelaide and I’m Senior Records Consultant at Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia – so I’m a colleague of Kirsten, Antonina and Matthew. Prior to joining VU, I also worked at the Public Record Office Victoria with Kirsten – having met her at Monash doing our Masters. I’m also an intermittent tweeter – you can find me as @lallylives. I’m looking forward to the opportunity for engaged debate with archival colleagues around the world.
My name is Cynthia and I’m the Metadata Librarian at the CUNY Graduate Center. I’ve also worked as an archivist for the last two years and am also working as a freelance archival consultant. This reading group comes at the right time for me because I’m currently taking a course on “memory and morality” at the GC and am eager to see what Jimerson’s take is on the the untapped possibilities of archival repositories and the archivist’s role in preserving/constructing collective memory & collective identity.
Hi Cynthia!
“Memory and morality” course sounds v. interesting. What department is teaching this?
Best,
Tessa
taf2111@columbia.edu
philosophy. but the prof. will also be using texts from historical and pysch studies.
Hi all,
I recently finished an MLS (in archives) at the University of Maryland and am currently pursuing a phd there. I research video game preservation and digital forensics with the Md. Institute of Technology in the Humanities, and moonlight as an intern at NARA’s Center for Advanced Systems and Technologies. I tweet as @sheepeeh and spend several hours a week pretending I don’t have a sedentary academic lifestyle by training in parkour.
Dear all,
Coming to you as an archivist (with a Rutgers MLIS ’07) in New York at the Center for Jewish History, where I am currently processing the papers of Morris Schappes, who was fired from the CCNY faculty in the 1930s after the department head sat in on a class of his and mistook a Shelley quote for a text from Marx, and who, in a hearing conducted by the Rapp-Coudert Committee (headed by NY Senators Frederic Coudert and Herbert Rapp with the intent to investigate “subversive activities” in the state schools), was imprisoned for perjury when he did not give names of fellow faculty members in the Communist Party. I am interested in the broader cultural, political and social implications of archives and libraries both nationally and internationally, and I’m excited to be a part of this online reading group — great idea, Kate.
Hello, All. My name is Jim Gerencser and for the past twelve years I have been the College Archivist at Dickinson College, a small liberal arts college in central PA. I earned my MLS at the Univ. of Pittsburgh, and also have an MA in History from Shippensburg Univ. As a double major in history and political science as an undergraduate, I have always been particularly interested in the issue of power in any context. I am looking forward to our collective examination of this issue through Rand Jimerson’s book.
Hi Everyone,
Thanks to Kate for organizing this! I’m Valerie, and I’m the Curator for Human Rights Collections at the University of Connecticut. I’m interested in the impact of archives on social justice movements and vice versa. I started reading Archives Power after SAA in Austin and am glad for the opportunity to pick it up again and discuss it with all of you online!
Hello,
My name is Nicole Simons. I’m currently enrolled in the MLIS program at the University of Pittsburgh. I look forward from learning from all your perspectives.
I’m a digital conservator at the City of Vancouver Archives (working with Courtney, #33 above!), and have worked there for 25 years. I’m interested in the policies and behaviour of archives beyond the preservation lab. Trying to catch up with the reading, but occasionally distracted by the lovely mauve glow from the book’s gutter under halogen illumination.
Hi! My name is Nancy and I’m currently working on a post-master’s Certificate of Advanced Studies with an emphasis on archives and digital libraries at Drexel University, where I earned my MSLIS. Although I’ve worked in a public library in a number of roles (program coordinator, Internet coordinator, and webmaster) I’ve not yet worked at an archives. I’m very much an archives newbie and in awe of all of you!
Hi, My name is Susan, and I have been an archivist for a very long time…
Currently I am the archival educator at Drexel University and am glad that one of my students reminded me this was going on. So I may be a bit behind, but I do have the book (autographed by Rand in the van going back to the airport in Austin after SAA last summer!) This is a terrific idea, and a good incentive to focus on an important book.
Hello everyone. My name is Stephanie Thornton. and I am currently working on my MLS through Emporia State University’s SLIM program in Colorado. I am excited to be focusing on archival studies as I hope to be working in this field some day in the not-too-distant future. I teach art in an after care program at a multilingual and culturally diverse public K-8 charter school. I just received my copy of the book. This group-read online is such a great idea! I look forward to learning in this forum.
Hi everyone. My name is Susan, I am a historian and I currently work as an archivist at Syracuse University. I’m working on a NHPRC grant funded project.
I’m getting a late start on this. I just got the book in from ILL today and am going to jump in this week. As a historian I’ve studied social movements and am personally interested in social justice, particularly locally. I’m looking to learn more about how I could combine my professional and personal interests in the future.
Hello all. My name is Aaron and I am PhD Student in Social and Political Thought at York University. My Research is focused on knowledge production – archiving and research – in and through the archive. I’ve never read the book before and I am doing my best to catch-up on the readings. I look forward to reading the posts as I go and perhaps adding something to the conversation.
Thanks.
[…] into different archival settings tho. Paul Wester and Howard Lowell of NARA joined ArchivesNext’s reading group but weren’t big posters. Some of what Jimerson describes applies more outside Govland than […]