Field-Methods-in-Psychology_-Chapter-1_-Archives

FIELD METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY ARCHIVES

Introduction

  • Overview of the field methods used in psychology archives.

  • Covers key concepts, definitions, history, principles, and the profession itself.

Definition

  • Archives encompass records created or received by individuals or organizations that are maintained for their enduring value.

    • Context: These records serve both functional responsibilities and evidence of actions.

    • Reference: Pearce-Moses, R. (2005). A glossary of archival and records terminology. Chicago: Society of American Archivists.

Archives Defined

  • Materials that are preserved for their lasting significance to an organization or individual.

    • Division within organizations responsible for maintaining records.

    • Repository: Collects archives from individuals/families.

    • Professional discipline of managing collections.

    • Physical space that houses archival materials.

    • Published scholarly papers.

Archives and Manuscripts

  • Archives: Permanent records from organizations or governments.

  • Manuscripts: Historical records from individuals or families.

    • Reference: Roe, K. (2005). Arranging & describing archives & manuscripts. Chicago: Society of American Archivists.

Primary Sources

  • Created during an event or by participants, they provide direct insight into historical events.

  • Allow for close understanding of past occurrences.

Secondary Sources

  • Works that do not rely on direct observation but rather discuss or comment on primary sources.

    • Examples include critiques and analyses.

Types of Archives

  • Institutional Archives: Maintain records from the parent organization.

  • Collecting Archives: Focus on specific subject areas.

  • Combination Archives: Hold both institutional records and related external materials.

Main Archival Functions

  • Acquisition: Obtaining valuable records.

  • Appraisal: Evaluating significance.

  • Arrangement and description: Organizing materials for accessibility.

  • Preservation and storage: Maintaining records in appropriate conditions.

  • Reference and access: Facilitating user access.

  • Outreach activities: Promoting archival resources.

Who Uses Archives?

  • Various stakeholders utilize archives, including:

    • Staff members of the institution.

    • Scholars and students.

    • Historians, genealogists, and hobbyists.

History

  • Development of recordkeeping practices.

  • Influential historical benchmarks:

    • Europe: French Revolution; Public Record Office (1838).

    • United States: National Archives established (1934).

    • Formation of the Society of American Archivists (1936).

Recordkeeping Technologies

  • Shift from traditional manual methods to

    • Invention of paper and other recording mediums.

    • Rise of computers and related technologies (mainframe, personal computers).

Motives for Creating Records

  • Various reasons such as personal, social, legal, economic, instrumental, and symbolic needs.

Record Types

  • Various categories including:

    • Permanent, Temporary, Sensitive, Confidential/privileged records.

Record Formats

  • Archives may contain diverse formats:

    • Unpublished records, printed materials, maps, visual media, audiovisual materials, and artifacts.

Changes in the 1970s

  • Growth in repositories and graduate programs.

  • Technological impacts on archival standards.

  • Increased focus on diverse historical perspectives.

Characteristics of Modern Records

  • Key traits include:

    • Abundance, decentralization, interrelation, and shifting usefulness.

Principles

  • Core Concepts:

    • Archives exist for usage, with long-term preservation considerations.

    • Records need a coherent organization for accessibility.

    • Sensitive information requires protection.

    • Collaboration among repositories is essential for historical preservation.

Provenance

  • Refers to the origin of records and establishes a connection between the records and their creators.

Original Order

  • The sequence set by the creator must be maintained to preserve context and significance.

Description

  • Creating access tools while ensuring minimal handling of original materials.

Archival Values

  • Primary Values relate to the records' intended purposes.

  • Secondary Values reflect the broader significance for researchers.

  • Evidential Values protect rights and reflect organizational growth.

  • Informational Values serve studies beyond the organization.

  • Intrinsic Values reflect the nature of the materials themselves.

Services

  • Include:

    • Information about holdings.

    • Research process guidance.

    • Access to materials and legal information.

    • Support for special accessibility needs.

    • Duplication and referral services.

Research Preparation

  • Strategies for preparing:

    • Identifying potential primary sources.

    • Utilizing secondary sources for background.

Ask Yourself

  • Critical questions to consider related to information needs and documentation.

Research Tips

  • Suggestions for efficient research:

    • Consult secondary sources; plan visits; focus on organizational structure.

Finding Aids

  • Tools assisting in information discovery, managing collections, and authenticating records.

Online Research

  • The impact of digital access on archival research and the challenges presented.

Websites

  • Factors influencing web-based archival resources include accessibility, description levels, and user experiences.

Restrictions to Access

  • Access can be limited by laws, donor restrictions, and the condition of materials.

Handling

  • Guidelines for the careful physical treatment of archival materials.

Duplication

  • Policies and issues related to duplication requests and associated fees.

Copyright

  • Details concerning the protection of intellectual property rights.

Fair Use

  • Conditions allowing legal use of copyrighted materials.

Library-Archives Copying

  • Guidelines surrounding permissions for duplication and use of archival materials.

Publication

  • User responsibility for obtaining publication permissions and potential involvement of fees.

The Profession

  • Reflections on the identity and significance of the archival profession.

Related Professions

  • Collaboration with librarians, historians, and records managers.

Professionalization

  • Trends towards enhancing professional standards and public perception within the archival community.

Individual Level

  • Focus on education and professional development in archival practices.

Institutional Level

  • Support strategies for professional development within archival organizations.

What They Don't Tell You

  • Insights about the archival profession that may not be immediately apparent.