Queer community archives in California since 1950

摘要: Purpose: This study provides insight into the histories and current statuses of queer community archives in California explores what profession can learn from archivists. Through construction three (GLBT Historical Society; Lavender Library, Archives, Cultural Exchange Sacramento, Inc.; ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives), discovered why these independent, community-based were created, issues that influenced their evolution, similarities differences among them. Additionally, it compared to institutional which collect materials explore determine possible implications for profession. Significance: The contributes literature several significant ways: is first in-depth comparative history archives; adds cross-disciplinary research history; debates on nature role professional archivist; has changing archival practice. Methodology: used social constructionism epistemological positioning new theory theoretical framework. Information was gathered through seven oral interviews with archivists volunteers archives’ collections. evidence construct statuses. The comparisons are the: University California, Berkeley’s Bancroft Library; Santa Cruz’s Special Collections Archives; San Francisco Public Library’s James C. Hormel Center. collection policies, finding aids, collections related communities at commonalities archives. Findings: findings revealed striking important survival relevancy profession. Each started by an individual or small group collecting preserve would otherwise have been lost as not materials. These private grew became basis archives. differ staffing models, circulation descriptive practices. grown incorporate more public programming functions than most While past, had little connection archives, today they varying degrees partnerships. However, historical lack makes some members reluctant donate collaborate All currently managed professionally trained educated face financial impacting continued survival. between include language differing levels relationships share similar sensitivity use describing overlap types collected. Implications: supports previous showing take preservation own hands when ignored mainstream (Flinn, 2007; Flinn Stevens, 2009; Nestle, 1990). Based study’s findings, could archivist counterparts better ways become involved relevant whose records possess. also expands understanding make available material constructing history. Furthermore, this reflective practice archivists, especially terms descriptions aids. It changes graduate education students enable United States be fully cognizant able engage collaborative, international projects. activist partnerships built establish respectful post-custodial age (Stevens, Flinn, Shepherd, 2010). Including discussions one way ensuring represent serve a diversity voices.