The Archive

On Why We Use Pencils and Other Thoughts on the Archive

 

Aside from the evident bias within the article, as it extols the virtues of physical archives whilst largely dismissing the digital archive, this afterword addressing the notion that archives trace the power structures of history. The history that is accessible through traditional archives represents a relatively small demographic, of those privileged enough to produce such documents. In this way, the rifts of missing information in archives directly represent the hierarchies and prejudices that were present at the time in question. In conceding the holes present in archives however, the author does not speak of the role of the internet in filling these holes in future archives. The value of the internet archive lies in its relative indifference to gender, race etc; as documentation can come from anyone. And although this means that some things may be documented badly, or with bias (as was also so in the past, but legitimised by publication in a book and a lack of further records of differing perspectives), the internet now allows the stories and perspectives of a far wider and more representative section of society than has ever before been present. As such, the digitally-based archives of the future will be more comprehensive, representative and consequently accurate than ever before.

This is not to discount physical archives, as their contents should be preserved as important historical artefacts. The film below documents what it means to close an archive and have its contents scattered.

 

The various RMIT libraries house a combination of new and old media artefacts; journal articles, books, magazines, films, online reproductions, and many other forms of media. All of this media however, is accessible through curated online search engines that catalogue each artefact, and therefore preserve its relevancy and ensure its continued use.