Broadening the record and expanding the archives

  • Kirsten Wright

Abstract

The concept of ‘the record’ is core archival theory and archival methods. In looking at reinventing archival methods, we must ask whether the traditional notion of the record is still applicable and how the record connects and links with material not considered part of the record. Definitions and conceptualisations of what a record is tend to be very broad, but I suggest that for many or most archives, the concept of what a record is – and therefore how records are collected, managed and accessed – is narrower. In examining how archival methods are to be reinvented, I suggest that a broad approach be taken and records of all types be considered.

Author Biography

Kirsten Wright

Kirsten Wright is the University Archivist at Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia. She has a BA(Hons) in history and politics and a Master of Information Management and Systems, both from Monash University. Prior to working at VU, she worked at Public Record Office Victoria and has a background in libraries. She tweets as @ktaines.

Published
2014-07-30
How to Cite
Wright K. (2014) “Broadening the record and expanding the archives”, Archives & Manuscripts, 42(2), pp. 219-221. doi: 10.1080/01576895.2014.911693.