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Making It Count: The FOCAS Path to Meaningful Archival Impact

Conference:

ARCHIVES*RECORDS 2025

Session Type:

Pop-Up Session 

Session Chair:

Vanessa Reyes  
East Carolina University

Co-Presenter(s):

Cecilia L. Salvatore  
Dominican University - Interim Associate Dean/Professor Coordinator - Archives/Cultural Heritage Certificate Program
Berlin Loa  
University of Arizona College of Information
Jamie Ann Lee  
College of Information Science, University of Arizona - Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs Associate Professor of Digital Culture, Information, and Society
Thuy Vo Dang  
UCLA - Assistant Professor

Abstract:

This 60 minute Pop-up session showcases the transformative work of Faculty Faculty Organizing for Community Archives Support (FOCAS), a consortium of library and information science (LIS) faculty from nine universities working collaboratively to create community archives curricula and internships for LIS programs throughout the US and Canada. This session emphasizes opportunities to amplify the importance of archival methods, education, and sustained support around community archives.
Through paid internships, students engage with community archives, recognizing that each operates under distinct needs, cultural norms, and approaches to identity. This work embodies SAA's core value of "ensuring the diversity of its membership and leaders, the profession, and the archival record." By learning from practitioners, students develop critical perspectives on ethical archival stewardship.
The session will include a breakout discussion encouraging participants to reflect on challenges and opportunities within their community archival ecosystems. This conversation will allow participants to explore strategies for fostering inclusivity and cultural representation, reinforcing the archive's role as a vital community tool.

FOCAS representatives from Dominican University (DOM), East Carolina University (ECU), the University of Arizona (UA), and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) will share insights into how collaborative efforts strengthen cultural stewardship practices, ensuring community voices remain heard at the heart of archival practice.

Short Description:

The session showcases the Faculty Organizing for Community Archives Support (FOCAS) Collaborative working to advance community archives education through paid internships. Engaging students in diverse cultural contexts, FOCAS ensures that archival records reflect community histories. This session offers an opportunity to discuss strategies for strengthening local archival ecosystems and fostering inclusive stewardship. A breakout discussion will allow participants to explore challenges and opportunities in their regions. Featuring representatives from DOM, ECU, UA, and UCLA.

Pop-Up Format:

Panel Discussion