Community Language Archives

Susan Gehr

Susan Smythe Kung

In this workshop, students will develop an understanding of archival best practices as they apply to the creation and maintenance of Community Language Archives. Topics that will be addressed include the following: different types and functions of archives (including physical and online digital archives); how to do archival research (including the use of online catalogs and finding aids, navigation of online digital archives); types of language materials that should be put into archives (including copyright, intellectual and cultural property, how to care for physical artifacts and digital files); why, when, and how to donate language materials to an archive (including organization of materials and metadata, costs, policies of archives, and the human element); and when access restrictions might need to be applied to materials in an archive. We will briefly touch on how to start a community language archive (physical vs. virtual, partnering with a larger archive, necessary resources, e.g. human, physical, technological, fiscal), but this will not be a major focus of the class. No archives experience or knowledge is required. The course will be of interest to those wanting an introduction to language archives and those wishing to learn how to better manage language and heritage resources, such as language researchers, teachers and interested community members. The course will also be of interest to individuals that wish to preserve resources in their possession.