Unlocking Hidden Treasures Through Description: Comments on Archival Voyages of Discovery

  • Ann Pederson

Abstract

After reviewing a decade of steady work and discussion about standards for archival description across three continents, this paper urges us to pause for a few moments to reflect on our accomplishments and to reassess our goals, resources, and methodologies. In pursuing standardization, we voyage towards a predetermined "destination"--to reveal the heretofore unknown riches of archives so that they may be made accessible for responsible and appropriate use. But our existing methods for reaching that destination may not be as serviceable as we contend. To make the most of this process, we must be adaptable, alert to dogmatism, and accepting of our own foibles. Only then can we confidently seize and exploit the many opportunities that the unfolding journey will certainly bring.

RÉSUMÉ

Après avoir passé en revue une décennie de débats et de travail ininterrompu dans trois continents à propos des normes de description, cet article propose un temps d'arrêt afin de réfléchir sur nos réalisations et de réévaluer nos buts, nos ressources et nos méthodologies. En recherchant la normalisation, nous nous engageons pour une destination prédéterminée, pour révéler les trésors des archives jusqu'ici inconnus afin de les rendre propres à une utilisation responsable et appropriée. Cependant, nos méthodes actuelles pour atteindre cette destination peuvent ne pas être aussi solides que nous le prétendons. Afin de tirer le meilleur parti de ce processus, nous devons être capables d'adaptation, vigilants envers le dogmatisme et accepter nos propres marottes. Alors seulement pourrons-nous saisir et exploiter avec optimisme les nombreuses chances qu'offrira le parcours.

Author Biography

Ann Pederson
Ann Pederson is Senior Lecturer in Archives Administration and Records Management in the School of Information, Library, and Archive Studies (SILAS) at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Before emigrating to Australia, Ann spent ten years at the Georgia Department of Archives and History in a number of different capacities, culminating in the position of Director of the Archives Division with responsibility for all archival functions. Her professional achievements include co-authorship (with Gail Farr) of Archives and Manuscripts: Public Programs (1982), prime responsibility for the first edition of Keeping Archives (1987), and a number of innovative professional and continuing education activities. Most recently she has collaborated with the Australian Archives to devise a distance education course in archives and records management. Ann is a Fellow of the Society of American Archivists.
Published
1994-02-06
How to Cite
Pederson, Ann. 1994. “Unlocking Hidden Treasures Through Description: Comments on Archival Voyages of Discovery”. Archivaria 37 (February), 47-63. https://archivaria.ca/index.php/archivaria/article/view/11985.
Section
Articles