Research in the Archival Multiverse

Description

Within the past 15 years, the field of archival studies around the world has experienced unprecedented growth, both within the academy and the profession, and archival studies graduate education programs today have among the highest enrolments in any information field. During the same period, there has also been unparalleled expansion and innovation in the diversity of methods and theories being applied in archival scholarship. Global in scope, this book compiles critical and reflective essays across a wide range of emerging research areas and interests in archival studies with the aim of providing current and future archival academics with a text addressing possible methods and theoretical frameworks that have been and might be used in archival scholarship. More than a collation of research methods for handy reference, this volume advocates for reflexive research practice as a means by which to lay bare the fuzziness and messiness of research. Whereas research in the form of published research papers and juried conference presentations provide a view of the study framed in terms of research questions and findings, reflexive research practice reveals the context of the study and chains of situations, choices, and decisions that influence the trajectories of the studies themselves. Such elucidations from the position of the researcher are instructive for others, who may be inspired to apply or adapt the method for their own research.

Anne J Gilliland is Professor and Director, Archival Studies specialisation, Department of Information Studies, and Director, Center for Information as Evidence, Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Sue McKemmish is Chair of Archival Systems and Director, Centre for Organisational and Social Informatics, Monash University. Andrew J Lau is Program Director for Instructional Content Development, UCLA Extension, and Lecturer, the University of Maryland College of Information Studies.

"This book is a landmark publication on research in archival science, tracing the developmentof ideas in the discipline in part one, then exploring possibilities and pathways in the followingchapters. It is essential reading on the evolution and progression of the discipline, particularlyfor every Masters and PhD student in archival science, whether looking for a deeper understandingof archival theory or inspiration on research design and process. It will be invaluableto all archival educators, but particularly to supervisors of research students." - Karen Anderson, Archives & Manuscripts: The Journal of the Australian Society of Archivists (2017)