After writing my most recent post (on blogging and archivists) and reading some interesting and encouraging responses elsewhere (see Archives Next,Curious Child,The Digital Archive,and BlogHer),I decided to try to talk about my purpose in blogging on the archival field,or at least as much as I can condense that intention into a few words and ideas.
Why am I blogging? Well, I’m interested in participating in a larger discussion about topics and issues that affect me as an archivist,and archival collections as a whole. I’d like to see new ideas mashed up for better working with patrons,fresh perspectives on both perennial problems and new issues in the field,and I’d like to find better ways to connect with past,present,and future colleagues. While I do enjoy reading blogs about particular collections,I’ll admit that I’ve been hungry for some honest-to-goodness discussions about professional issues that concern archivists.
In many ways,other professionals have jumped past the “fear”barrier:the specter of blogging oneself out of that next job. I’m planning to touch on anonymity in my next post,so I won’t get into that now,except to say that I take issue with the idea that an anonymous opinion is necessarily frivolous or without value. Is anonymous participation better or worse than no participation at all? What does that say about us as a group? Anyway,more about that later.
Some of the other reasons that I decided to blog are similar to those set out by Jeanne of Spellbound Blog in this comment on ArchivesNext:
When I started my blog it was all about reaching out to people with ideas I was learning and extending during my slow part time progress through graduate school. I had so many more ideas than I had time to address ‘formally’ during class time.
Post-graduation,I’ve found that I have even more ideas and thoughts to address about various topics,both inside and marginally outside of the scope of my current job. I’ve always been a very inquisitive learner,seeking out others who were engaged in the same sorts of questions. Being intentional about being involved,as well as flexible about where the path may lead has generally been beneficial to me.
Years ago,I was a camp counselor for several summers. One of my catchphrases then (and still) was this:Be a thermostat,not a thermometer or barometer.
Be an instrument for change;whether that’s institutional or widespread,or personal development. (I think I can still hear some of my former campers groaning,but it rings true for me). I understand that not everyone desires change,or wants to lead in all things. But for me,I think it’s important to be intentional and deliberate about what I want,what I intend to accomplish,and how I want to get there.
Right now,I’m interested in helping to participate in and move archival discourse forward in the archivo-blogosphere. Is it an act of hubris to think that I can make a difference? Perhaps. But I’m willing to bet that there are others out there that are yearning to engage in a dialogue of ideas,to attempt to advance theory and practice. I’m not willing to accept that I’m the only one interested in talking about this.
For now,I leave you with this:what do you want from archives blogs? Why do you read blogs about archives,and how do you want to participate? What issues and topics would you like to discuss? If you’re reading,but not inclined to comment,why not? I’d like to hear about what you find interesting–as well as what you think is not worth discussing. Any and all comments welcome.
I’m not commenting as a reader,but as a fellow blogger. I just started blogging professionally recently and for all the reasons you listed here. I regularly read other archivists’blogs,but I rarely comment. I’d like to start to enter the discussions,both by commenting and blogging.
Um,sorry:my url was wrong in the previous post!
Janine,
Thanks for your comment! I hope that we can all work together to make blogs a place where archivists want to meet and comment and further discuss these issues.
Well said. Your post made me think and rethink about the focus of my blog (which is,admittedly,a bit schizophrenic but that’s because I do so many different jobs at this library). However,in terms of archivist blogs,the reasons I read them are:1) to learn about other people and how they came to be in this field,2) what problems others are encountering and how they are resolving them,3) professional development and 4) just because I enjoy reading about different projects and finding out how others are using available technologies to enhance access to the archives.
Thanks for your answer,Dani! I think you have some good ideas there,and I’ve been enjoying your blog!
This is a really excellent topic. As someone new to blogging,for me my blog has been a way to stay connected to the archival profession. My career track started in archives but has since trended towards special libraries and information gathering. I enjoy what I’m doing now,but have wanted a way to keep my toes in the waters of the archival profession. Blogging seemed to be a great way to do that. Blogging stimulates my intellectual curiosity and keeps me connected to my peers in the field.
I’m honored to have my humble little blog on your blogroll. I’ve posted a link to Archives Found on my own blogroll and look forward to reading future posts here.