Opening Conference Keynote
Tracks
Conway 3/4/5
| Wednesday, October 23, 2024 |
| 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM |
| Conway 3/4/5 |
Overview
Dr Stanley Griffin
Speaker
Dr Stanley Griffin
Senior Lecturer/head Of Department
Department of Library and Information Studies, The University of the West Indies at Mona, Jamaica
Showcasing Memory: Opening Society to its Archives
Abstract
The Archive is often held as a monolith of memory in any given society. It is where the official documentation of past and present, however perceived and described, are kept for the benefit of society. Yet, there are challenges in gaining societal approval and ensuring public engagement and use. In this keynote presentation, we delve into the profound relationship between archives and society, viewing archives not merely as repositories of historical artifacts, but as dynamic reflections of the cultures, identities, power dynamics, and social justice struggles of their times. Reflecting upon archival theory, Caribbean archival experiences and the evolving landscape of digital culture, we explore how archives are caught in the dynamics of capturing the multifaceted layers of human existence.
There is an intricate interplay/power play between archival materials and societal narratives, which impacts the shaping cultural identity, power structures, and social justice movements. From the preservation of tangible records to the challenges of archiving intangible heritage and digital culture, our societies have multiple opportunities and portals to engage with its documentary past and futures. This reality further adds to the complexities of archival practices and societal expectations in an ever-changing world.
By illuminating the ethical dilemmas, opportunities, and responsibilities inherent in archival work, this keynote aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for the transformative potential of archives as agents for historical reflection, archival documentation and socio-political change within society.
There is an intricate interplay/power play between archival materials and societal narratives, which impacts the shaping cultural identity, power structures, and social justice movements. From the preservation of tangible records to the challenges of archiving intangible heritage and digital culture, our societies have multiple opportunities and portals to engage with its documentary past and futures. This reality further adds to the complexities of archival practices and societal expectations in an ever-changing world.
By illuminating the ethical dilemmas, opportunities, and responsibilities inherent in archival work, this keynote aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for the transformative potential of archives as agents for historical reflection, archival documentation and socio-political change within society.
Biography
Stanley H. Griffin is Deputy Dean, Undergraduate Matters and Senior Lecturer, in Archival and Information Studies in the Faculty of Humanities and Education, Department of Library and Information Studies (DLIS) respectively at The University of the West Indies, Mona Jamaica Campus. He holds a BA (Hons.) in History, a PhD in Cultural Studies (with High Commendation), from the Cave Hill Barbados Campus of The University of the West Indies, and an MSc in Archives and Records Management (Int'l), University of Dundee, Scotland.
His research interests include Multiculturalism in Antigua and the Eastern Caribbean; the Cultural Dynamics of intra-Caribbean migrations; Archives in the constructs of Caribbean culture; and Community Archives in the Caribbean. His most recent publications include Decolonizing the Caribbean Record: An Archives Reader (Litwin 2018), and Archiving Caribbean Identity: Records, Community, and Memory (Routledge, 2022) co-edited works with Jeannette Bastian and John Aarons, several book chapters and journal articles on Caribbean archival, cultural, historical, and memory issues.
Stanley is active on the executive of several academic, heritage, and archival professional societies, including the Caribbean's archival association, CARBICA, and is a member of the Editorial Board of The International Journal of Information, Diversity, & Inclusion.
His research interests include Multiculturalism in Antigua and the Eastern Caribbean; the Cultural Dynamics of intra-Caribbean migrations; Archives in the constructs of Caribbean culture; and Community Archives in the Caribbean. His most recent publications include Decolonizing the Caribbean Record: An Archives Reader (Litwin 2018), and Archiving Caribbean Identity: Records, Community, and Memory (Routledge, 2022) co-edited works with Jeannette Bastian and John Aarons, several book chapters and journal articles on Caribbean archival, cultural, historical, and memory issues.
Stanley is active on the executive of several academic, heritage, and archival professional societies, including the Caribbean's archival association, CARBICA, and is a member of the Editorial Board of The International Journal of Information, Diversity, & Inclusion.
