Reparative Description in Archives
Finding aids are essential for locating relevant materials in archives. However, archival description can contain outdated or insensitive terminology and may not accurately reflect the subjects or creators of collections, especially members of historically excluded and minoritized groups.
The Oxford College Library Archives and Special Collections team revises descriptions in an effort to amplify voices that have been silenced by biased and misleading descriptions. You can find examples of standards and evolving practices at institutions in the Inclusive Description resources list maintained by the Description Section of the Society of American Archivists.
Remediating Harmful Language
The process of reparative description in archival collection descriptions in finding aids begins with auditing and evaluating existing descriptions, and can cycle through additional phases, such as:
- Identifying more inclusive and conscientious terminology
- Remediating harmful language found in description
- Providing resources for researchers who encounter harmful content in collections
- Developing standards and procedures for creating inclusive description for new acquisitions
Much of this work is currently taking place in individual repositories, as every archive has unique description challenges to address.
Staff of the Oxford College archives occasionally adjust the language used to describe individuals and groups. An example is changes made to a finding aid with a large amount of material related to Catherine Boyd. The folder title has been updated from “Kitty Andrew Shell” to include Catherine Boyd’s name and reflect the nickname used in most published material mentioning her.
As you reflect on the information presented in this exhibit, we invite you to think about these questions:
- How can our community work together to pursue restorative justice and equity across this university?
- How do you intend to use this knowledge going forward?
See additional resources on the topics explored in this exhibit