Workshop - Describing people to find people. Describing self to be found
Rachael Minott, Research Libraries UK/National Archives Professional Fellow, 2022-23 will be delivering an interactive workshop exploring the terms we use to search for people in heritage databases, as well as the words we use to describe ourselves.
Cartoon illustration of students outside an archive location
Part of Rachael’s research project: ”Capturing Diversity – challenging normative assumptions of Records Subjects”, and held during her residency with Queen Mary Library Services, the workshop will be held on Tuesday 28 June, 10-12.30, at Mile End Library. For additional information and to book your place, go to the workshop Eventbrite booking page.
The session will include three individual exercises done collectively, followed by facilitated discussions that explore:
- differences across varied identities
- the differences in writing descriptions for others, in comparison to self-descriptions
- data ethics
- varied approaches for living and dead subjects
Content warning: discussion will likely include conversations about discrimination and stereotyping around race, religion, disability and gender identities; offensive language in records; as well as exercises that will invite participants to reflect on their own identities. Every effort will be taken to create a space that facilitates these discussions in an open but considerate manner.
Rachael Minott is a Research Libraries UK and the National Archives 2022-2023 Professional Fellow. Her fellowship will centre on the project: Capturing Diversity- Challenging normative assumptions of Records Subjects. This workshop will inform this investigation.