Academic Librarians' Varying Experiences of Archives: A Phenographic Study

Academic Librarians' Varying Experiences of Archives: A Phenographic Study

Archives

This article reports on a study investigating academic librarians' varying experiences of archives in order to promote understanding and communication among librarians and archivists. A qualitative, phenomenographic approach was adopted for the study. Three different ways of experiencing archives were identified from analysis of interviews. Archives may be experienced by academic librarians as 1) a place which protects collections; 2) resources to be used in accomplishing tasks such as teaching, research, or outreach; or 3) manifestations of politics. The third way of experiencing archives is the most complex, incorporating both the other experiences. The results of this study may help librarians, especially academic librarians, and archivists communicate more clearly on joint projects involving archival collections thereby enabling more collaboration.

Wakimoto, Diana K.; Bruce, Christine S.

Journal of Academic Librarianship

2014-09

Allen, Amber

Journal Article

Wakimoto, Diana K., and Christine S. Bruce. "Academic Librarians' Varying Experiences of Archives: A Phenomenographic Study." Journal Of Academic Librarianship 40, no. 5 (September 2014): 452-459. Professional Development Collection, EBSCOhost.