Why inclusive?
Archives must be representative and welcoming of everyone to remain integral to all of our lives.
Inclusive archives represent the full diversity of human experience and ensure that all voices are preserved and recognised. They actively seek out and value records from underrepresented communities and others whose histories have often been overlooked, enabling greater wellbeing and a sense of belonging.
This inclusivity not only promotes social justice and equity but also enriches the historical record, making it more accurate, complex, and reflective of the society it serves. Where communities have a say in how their records are collected, managed and used, they are more likely to value and understand archives.
Why now?
Archives have made some progress in this area, supporting a wide range of users in some cases and sharing knowledge across the country through strong networks.
However, archives recognise that there is more to do. Currently, the workforce and collections in archives still lack diversity, limiting engagement and outreach with underrepresented communities, failing to offer career paths which attract and retain diverse talent, and missing opportunities to build societal cohesion. Archives must develop a new approach to breaking down the barriers to working in and using archives.
During a period of global uncertainty and rapid change, archives hold a unique place as custodians of collections which can inform society, hold institutions to account, or provide the raw materials for creative responses and community building. Through the records they collect, archives can show multiple perspectives and give a voice to previously unheard voices. Whether community-led or institutionally managed, archives have the power to strengthen social cohesion, develop pride in a place, and build trust.
What next?
In collaboration with partners, archives will:
- accelerate their work to break down the barriers to archive careers, exploring new career pathways and recruitment practices so that archive teams reflect the diversity of their communities
- promote opportunities for communities to become more involved through co-curation and volunteer programmes
- continue to reach outside their institutions, building connections with marginalised groups
- share knowledge and skills, and collaborate with partners, such as libraries, that address digital exclusion
- ensure that more voices are heard, that collections are increasingly representative of their communities, and that everyone feels welcomed
- foster trust in the authenticity of their collections and develop their reputation as the first port of call for original information