“Taking Our Own Measure”: Archival Engagement and Storytelling

Abstract

ABSTRACT As archivists are increasingly called upon to measure and demonstrate our value, it is vital to consider not only what we are measuring and why, but also what is beyond measure (what can't be captured by data and metrics) and how we communicate value beyond what can necessarily be measured. In exploring these questions, the author offers some provisional ideas for reframing the discourse and practice around archival metrics and assessment, and for opening space to “take our own measure” more fully and demonstrate the true value of archives. Looking beyond metrics per se, the author first traces a broader notion of archival engagement as an outcome-oriented and people-centered conceptual frame for contemplating and assessing archival value(s) beyond measure, and then considers the role of storytelling in communicating value and ways for framing our stories in terms of archival engagement to convey meaning and impact.

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