Connecting to Pittsburgh Area Community Archives

Abstract

Through a project called Documentation Lab, we have begun to develop a resource library and workshop series designed to identify and facilitate meaningful forms of support and connection for memory workers in Pittsburgh, working in partnership with local nonprofit Prototype PGH. Our primary goal is to support and strengthen connection and collaboration between Pittsburgh’s professional archival community and the local individuals and community groups engaged in the work of documenting and preserving materials that reflect their own experiences. In the next phase of this project, we will build upon this work by conducting an environmental scan of current community archives in Pittsburgh and conducting semi-structured interviews with local memory workers to learn about their work and communities, their current resources and needs, and whether or how they are interested in working with the MLIS program, and specifically with a Community Archives elective course.