Educating for the Archival Multiverse

The Archival Education and Research Institute (AERI), Pluralizing the Archival Curriculum Group (PACG)

Diversity addresses issues of inclusivity and the systemic nature of exclusivity in various settings, including the role of archival education in preparing new generations of archival practitioners, educators, and researchers. This article discusses why pluralist approaches might help to achieve greater diversity and cultural sensitivity in practice and scholarship. It addresses three key components of such approaches: identifying ways in which dominant cultural paradigms narrow archival pedagogy and practice; envisioning and exploring alternatives to these paradigms; and developing an archival educational framework to promote a critique of professional and societal norms and include diverse perspectives on archival theory and practice. The article calls for a broader conversation on these issues engaging archival academics and students, professional associations, roundtables and caucuses, accrediting bodies, archival employers, funding agencies, and the diverse communities who create, manage, and use records.