Archival Administration

An AI generated image of a ethnically diverse group of librarians
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What role do archivists play in preserving, performing, and producing history?

An AI generated image of a ethnically diverse group of librarians

Archivists examine how a document connects to people, how it reflects the values of its historical context, and how its meaning may have changed pver time. Archivists determine to what extent a document enriches the general knowledge of a period in time.Archivists benefit from professional standarts to asses the value of objects.

In her presentation at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conferrence, Samantha Winn argues that archival descriptions can’t be completely objective or neutral. She believes archivists’ personal biases and worldviews prevent total honesty in their work. This assumption can lead to biased and inaccurate representations that continue historical mistakes and marginalization 

Winn states that archivists need to regularly reflect on their biases and stay engaged with scholarly work to address these issues. Pointing out that “archival neutrality” has historically contributed to the margilalization and the erasure of certain groups specifically marginalized groups. Winn calls for an effort to change archival practices and standards to be more inclusive.  

Highlighting the demographic norms of the archival profession often young, white-presenting and straight academic archivists are not always equipped to move beyond the status quo. Winn advocates for developing cultural competency and awareness in archivists. Calling for a fundemental change in the archival profession, aiming for a future where inclusive and community driven description is the norm. She stresses the need for changes in graduate education and standards to achieve this goal. Archivists must go past the current norms and engage in meaningful discussions with colleagues from different fields and backgrounds. 

An AI generated image of a Black man searching an old document
An AI generated image of a Black man searching an old document

Winn, Samantha. “The Hubris of Neutrality in Archives.” On Archivy (Medium), April 21, 2017. https://medium.com/on-archivy/the-hubris-of-neutrality-in-archives-8df6b523fe9f.

Many books piled on top of one another in a pile in front of a bench
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The Illusion of Neutrality

A pile of library books in front of a bench (Unidentified photographer, 2025)
A pile of library books in front of a bench (Unidentified photographer, 2025)
Many books piled on top of one another in a pile in front of a bench
Books in a stack surrounding a vintage desk North Brother Island photo taken by Steven Heller

Books in a pile

Books in a stack surrounding a vintage desk North Brother Island photo taken by Steven Heller

The Illusion of Neutrality 

Dena Miles

In Sam Winn’s article “The Hubris of Neutrality in Archives,” a strong argument is presented regarding the inherent biases that affect the work of archivists. ​Winn contends that achieving true neutrality is not only unrealistic but also a diversion from archivists’ ethical responsibilities in preserving histories.​ She states, “The scholar may swear to his neutrality on the job, but whether he be physicist, historian, or archivist, his work will tend… to maintain the existing social order by perpetuating its values” (Sam Winn, 2017). This acknowledgment of biased archival practices that often go unexamined shows how these biases, shaped by individual backgrounds and societal norms, can lead to the unintentional erasure of marginalized voices.

Winn emphasizes the need for archivists to actively “reprogram internal bias” to include diverse narratives, arguing that historical narratives are constructed rather than naturally occurring (Sam Winn, 2017). This perspective raises important questions about the everyday practices of archivists and the language they use. For instance, here at PVAMU, our school’s historical beginnings are often watered down to suppress further the complex disrespect our campus has faced since its inception. By failing to confront personal and institutional biases, archivists risk perpetuating exclusive descriptions that deny these groups the recognition they deserve.

The article “Archives Are Not Neutral” reiterates this sentiment by emphasizing that archives should reflect the complexities of their communities, advocating for the inclusion of multiple voices in historical records. “The Hubris of Neutrality in Archives” compelled me to reassess the role of archivists in shaping historical narratives. To move forward, it is crucial that we embrace the responsibility to acknowledge biases and actively work towards more inclusive practices. By doing so, archivists can create a more prosperous, more diverse historical record that honors all voices, reinvigorating public history’s role in society.

 

 

 

WORK CITED 

Sam Winn, “The Hubris of Neutrality in Archives,” Medium.com, April 24, 2017, https://medium.com/on-archivy/the-hubris-of-neutrality-in-archives-8df6b523fe9fLinks to an external site.

Article Link
Two men standing in a library preserving an old document
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The Role of Archivists in Preserving, Interpreting, and Shaping History

This picture shows two men doing the important work of preserving historical records [AI generated image, 2025]
This picture shows two men doing the important work of preserving historical records [AI generated image, 2025]

Safeguarding Historical Records

Archivists protect historical documents, photographs, and artifacts to keep them accessible for future generations. They employ specialized methods to prevent decay, digitize materials for long term preservation, and systematically organize collections for easy access. Their efforts ensure the authenticity and integrity of historical records.

Analyzing and Showcasing History

In addition to preserving historical materials, archivists examine and provide context for them. They assist researchers, historians, and the public in understanding the importance of archived records by facilitating access, curating exhibitions, and sharing expert knowledge. Their work plays a crucial role in shaping how history is interpreted and remembered.

Crafting Historical Narratives

Archivists serve as crucial gatekeepers of history by deciding which materials are preserved and how they’re presented. Their choices in acquisition, cataloging, and access not only shape what is available but also determine which narratives emerge and whose voices are recognized in our historical record.

United States National Museum Photographic Laboratory
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History in the Making: The Active Role of Archivists

United States National Museum Photographic Laboratory

United States National Museum Photographic Laboratory, Library Stacks, Lower Main Hall, Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle, Circa 1912-1913, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Smithsonian Institution. CC0.

United States National Museum Photographic Laboratory

United States National Museum Photographic Laboratory, Library Stacks, Lower Main Hall, Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle, Circa 1912-1913, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Smithsonian Institution. CC0.

Archivists do much more than just keep old stuff safe. Sure, preserving documents is still a big part of the job, but it’s only the beginning. Today, we realize that archivists are actually key players in how we understand history. They’re not just neutral caretakers; they actively shape the stories we tell about the past. Think about it: what gets collected, how it’s organized, and who gets access—these are all choices that archivists make, and they have a huge impact. They’re practically performing history every time they create a finding aid that guides researchers or put together an exhibit that brings the past to life for the public. Even more than that, archivists are involved in making history by working with communities to document their stories, especially those that haven’t been told before. They challenge the usual narratives and make sure everyone’s voice gets heard. So, archivists aren’t just preserving the past; they’re actively involved in shaping how we see it, what we remember, and what it all means.

Sam Winn’s “The Hubris of Neutrality in Archives”

Sam Winn’s “The Hubris of Neutrality in Archives” challenges the idea of the archivist as a passive, objective keeper of the past. He argues that archivists are active participants in creating our understanding of history. It starts with preservation—but it’s not simply saving everything. Archivists make choices about what’s worth keeping, and those decisions, even if unconscious, shape the historical record. Then comes performance—how materials are organized, described, and presented influences how we interpret them, almost like the archivist is staging the past for us. Finally, Winn contends that archivists are even producing history, especially when they collaborate with communities to document untold stories and challenge established narratives. Essentially, archivists aren’t just handling the past; they’re actively involved in constructing it. Winn’s key message is that we need to ditch the myth of neutrality and recognize the immense power archivists hold—a power that demands honesty, self-awareness, and a commitment to inclusive storytelling.

Archival neutrality and the active role of archivists resonate with current events

Winn’s ideas about archives aren’t just theoretical; they connect to real-world issues happening right now. Take the Black Lives Matter movement, for example. BLM has shown us how history can be twisted to erase Black experiences and keep racism going. Winn’s point about archival neutrality is key here. He shows how archives, by choosing what to keep and whose stories to tell, can actually contribute to that historical erasure. But on the flip side, we’re also seeing how “activist archivists” are pushing back against this, working hard to document BLM protests and preserve the stories of Black activists, making sure their voices are part of the historical record. It’s a direct response to the problem Winn highlights, showing how archives can be a tool for change, not just a dusty room full of old papers

Sam Winn, “The Hubris of Neutrality in Archives,” Medium.com, April 24, 2017, https://medium.com/on-archivy/the-hubris-of-neutrality-in-archives-8df6b523fe9f

 

An early 1900s photograph of Kirby Hall and the administration building at PVAMU
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The Establishment of Preserving History : A Connection to Archival Data

What is Archival Data?! 

Archival Data is referred to as existing records or documents that has been either collected , preserved , or stored for future reference or research . This reference or data may come in various forms , the information that was collected in usually used for a purpose other than the current research and is stored in a long term preservation database.

Learn more
  This is an old photo of Prairie View in 1876 . This is a visual representation of what archival data could look like . Without this connection we would have no idea how much the university has grown .
  This is an old photo of Prairie View in 1876 . This is a visual representation of what archival data could look like . Without this connection we would have no idea how much the university has grown .

Why is an Archivist Important? 

Archivist play a pivotal role in preserving , performing and producing history by actively engaging in the collection and development of historical records that have been recorded over a period of time . An archivist role is important due to the complexity of gathering information in a way that it may be used 100 years from now . This crucial role of providing access to historical records and documents is a vital component for understanding significant events in the past. Their work ensures that valuable information remains available for future generations in order to educate and inspire cultural heritage. 

Connection to Reading :Anahi Ponce, “Counter Archives and Archives of Resistance,” Not Even Past, 

The reading titled “ Counter Archives and Archives of Resistance  “, Not Even Past, by Anahi Ponce is a reflection of the work of Dr. Carolina  Villarreol’s work. Dr. Villarroel is a scholar, archivist and the director of research for Recovering The U.S Hispanic Literary Heritage Project. Dr. Carolina Villarroel’s work with the Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage Project exemplifies this role. She collaborates with students at various educational levels, training them in digital archiving techniques to digitize maps, newspapers, and other materials dating from the colonial period up until 1960. This initiative not only preserves historical documents but also empowers students to become contributors to historical preservation. notevenpast.org Archivists like Dr. Villarroel emphasize the importance of creating spaces for communities to document their own histories, addressing gaps where certain narratives have been omitted or erased from traditional archives. By establishing counter archives and archives of resistance, they ensure the preservation of materials that rarely make it into conventional archival spaces, thereby enriching the historical record with diverse perspectives. In essence, archivists are not just custodians of historical documents; they are active participants in shaping the historical narrative. Through their efforts in preserving marginalized histories and training others in archival practices, they perform and produce history, ensuring a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the past.

NOTES [1] Anahi Ponce, “Counter Archives and Archives of Resistance,” Not Even Past, March 31, 2022, https://notevenpast.org/counter-archives-and-archives-of-
resistance/ [accessed January 6, 2025].

[2 ]https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatabackup/definition/data-archiving