Risky Collections: Preservation, Access, and Issues of Diversity and Inclusion

Transcription

1 Risky Collections: Preservation, Access, and Issues of Diversity and Inclusion ALA Annual Conference 2017 ALCTS Book and Paper Interest Group June 25, 2017 Jeanne Goodman, Texas A&M University, Co-Chair Beth Doyle, Duke University Libraries, Co-chair

2 What is Risky? Collections that contain content that might be interpreted as objectionable because of graphic, violent, racist or emotionally disturbing content or symobolism. Collections that represent non-conforming, minority, and underrepresented communities. Content that may be illegal or in a legal/ethical grey area. Content that may expose private information. Collections that may incite strong emotions, and/or may be vulnerable to mutilation or theft because of those emotions.

3 Warning Content may not be suitable for all audiences.

4 Preservation Decisions: Balancing the Materiality and Access Needs of Problematic Materials Shackles T. Thomas Burns Collection (custom enclosure) Broadsides and Ephemera Collection Rubenstein Library Digitization Project (digitization preparation) Collection materials from the Duke University David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

5 Preservation Decisions: Balancing the Materiality and Access Needs of Problematic Materials Nazi daggers, circa 1930 s 1940 s Jewish Heritage Foundation of North Carolina Collection of Jewish Historical Materials, (custom enclosure) Panoramic photograph of KKK on the beach, Miami, 4 July 1927 (polyester encapsulation) Leather Bound By Michael Scott From the Drewey Wayne Gunn and Jacques Murat collection of gay American Pulps (4-flap enclosure) Collection materials from the Duke University David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Condoms, lubricants, etc. Maria DeBruyn Papers (custom corrugated box)

6 Preservation Decisions: Balancing the Materiality and Access Needs of Problematic Materials Human pelvis History of Medicine Collection (custom enclosure) Hebrew MS #2 (custom drop-spine box) Collection materials from the Duke University David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Arabic MS #45 (custom drop-spine box)

7 Preservation Decisions: Balancing the Materiality and Access Needs of Problematic Materials Erin Hammeke, Senior Conservator Duke University Libraries Verne and Tanya Roberts Conservation Lab Carl V. Corley Papers Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library Duke University

8 Who decides what is offensive? Is it Preservation s role to make that call? How do you provide access to materials that contain sensitive or legally problematic information? What do you do when it seems the solution for mitigating the preservation risk for an item makes it difficult or interferes with access to the item? Discussion

9 Access for Classroom and Reading Room: Policies, Procedures and Workarounds Sensitive materials designation is going to be a continuous and evolving conversation Reading room policies are shaped not just by institutional culture but sometimes by the actual shape of the room Naming the collection: Responsible and discreet vs. nondescript and camouflaging Case Study: Rehousing KKK Robes, TAMU Library collections KKK Robe and Hood, American Nativism Collection (archival textile enclosure)

10 Access for Classroom and Reading Room: Policies, Procedures and Workarounds Not so simple solution: Hoods removed from enclosure and missing lifting sheets. Removal of damaged tissue and robes removed from enclosure in preparation for textile conservator.

11 Access for Classroom and Reading Room: Policies, Procedures and Workarounds Reading Room layouts: Kelsey Reading Room, Cushing Memorial Library Texas A&M University Cushing library, Texas A&M University Libraries Archives.

12 Access for Classroom and Reading Room: Policies, Procedures and Workarounds Reading Room layouts: Kelsey Reading Room, Cushing Memorial Library Texas A&M University Reading Room, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library Duke University

13 Access for Classroom and Reading Room: Policies, Procedures and Workarounds Naming of collections: obscuring and camouflaging what it is American Nativism : collection about white supremacy. Anti-immigrant, anti-black, anti-catholic *Archivist Code of Ethics: to provide access widely

14 Access for Classroom and Reading Room: Policies, Procedures and Workarounds Not so simple solution: Before: standard textile box with abacca tissue as support After: items humidified and hung on custom padded hangers and new hanging storage with dust cover.

15 How can we balance our role as research institutions with our desire to be respectful of the cultures that these objects come from? What happens when your collecting policy/mission conflicts with a culture s perspective on how things should be used and handled? Special considerations for staff working with these materials? Discussion

16 Current Climate in Preservation & Conservation Profession: How are Issues of Diversity and Inclusion Being Addressed? Concerned Conservators Google Group started in 2016 American Institute for Conservation (AIC) developed the Equity and Inclusion Working Group in Established a relationship between AIC and Concerned Conservators Group Submitted Statement on Equity and Inclusion and a new Core Value to the AIC Board of Directors. Both approved by the Board in April 2017 Developed a website for the Working Group Requested monetary support for the Concerned Conservators facilitate discussion during the AIC Annual Conference in May.

17 Current Climate in Preservation & Conservation Profession: How are Issues of Diversity and Inclusion Being Addressed? American Institute for Conservation (AIC) developed the Equity and Inclusion Working Group in Attended the AAM meeting in St. Louis; theme was diversity in museums Coordinated meeting with Director of the Diversity Office at ALA Currently focusing on interviewing stakeholders in the AIC/FAIC and working on a draft of the report

18 Current Climate in Preservation & Conservation Profession: How are Issues of Diversity and Inclusion Being Addressed? AIC Annual Meeting happenings: Monday 5/29 A Facilitated Conversation about Inclusion and Equity in Conservation and Preservation in this sold out event, three facilitators were brought in to begin open discussions with AIC members on how we as conservators of cultural heritage include or exclude people and their perspectives, and how we may begin to actively recognize this dynamic in order to pursue a more inclusive and equitable professional practice. AIC Business Meeting Cathy Hawks led an open discussion/comment period on how we as conservation professionals are already taking steps to be a more inclusive and diverse profession and ideas from the floor were heard about perceived hurdles, challenges, and opportunities that the AIC will face as we move forward.

19 Do these types of conversations take place with conservator and curator at your institution? Have you thought of AIC as a resource for this in the past or think you will in the future? Is there anything be done locally or regionally in your area? Does your institution have policy, committees, or funding that supports these conversations or initiatives? Discussion

20 Thank you! BPIG 2018 Chairs Jeanne Goodman, BPIG Chair Texas A&M Beth Doyle, Co-Chair Duke University Beth Doyle, BPIG Co-chair Duke University Libraries Priscilla Anderson, Co-chair Harvard University

21 It s not all bad! Ms. Rev (Library Mascot), Annual adjustment and stuffing. Anatomical birthing model, 1890 s History of Medicine Collection One of the first treatments performed by new Book Conservator. Duke University David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library.