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This issue of "Archival News" departs from past columns. Much of it is given over to a forum on the fundamentals of doing archival research. We hope to use this space periodically for similar discussions that relate archival issues to moving image scholarship. However, the primary function of "Archival News" will remain unchanged.
Doing Archival Research: An Introduction
The 2000 Society for Cinema Studies conference in Chicago featured the workshop "Doing Archival Research: An Introduction." Its origins were in a 1998 initiative by members of both the SCS and the Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA) designed to increase the dialogue between scholars and archivists. The use of primary sources such as films, video, and paper documentation has become the dominant form of evidence employed in histories of film and television, so communication between scholars and archivists is key to further developments in the field. Among the first recommendations to come from this dialogue was to begin regular workshops at the annual SCS meeting, since basic training in archival research is not yet a standard feature of most graduate media studies programs. This workshop brought together archivists and scholars to present practical information to those with an interest in doing archival research.
The participants on the panel were: Charlie Keil (professor of cinema studies, University of Toronto), Scott Curtis (professor of Radio/TV/Film, Northwestern University and former Research Archivist at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Herrick Library), Mike Mashon (moving image curator, Library of Congress), Dan Streible (professor of film studies, University of South Carolina), and Don Staples (professor of film, University of North Texas and the SCS Archivist). The workshop was organized and moderated by Eric Schaefer (professor of Visual and Media Arts, Emerson College).
What follows summarizes the main points made by the panelists. It is offered to provide a brief introduction to the basic parameters of conducting archivally based research. The information is by no means comprehensive; it is intended to provide a starting point for new researchers.
Arranging Your Research
Charlie Keil, who has completed several archivally based projects, addressed the topic of arranging research at an archive. Keil spoke to three central priorities, which he indicated all came down to the same homily: prepare ahead and save yourself...