Course talk:ARST573/Performing Arts Archives

Hello, pod people!

So, this is a very drafty draft!! In addition to adding some more case studies (if you think that's interesting to include), I want to pad out the section about challenges and the limits of archives in representing / documenting the performing arts. Here are some other things I know I have to work on / would like your input on:

1. I haven't figured out how to do citations yet, so they appear as in-line citations at the moment.
2. As I said, this is a super drafty draft, so the language needs some significant work! I am sure there typos galore, and I had no time to work on making things sound good. More than that...I am having problems writing in simple language when working on an academic assignment.
3. Characteristics of performing arts archivists...interesting? Boring? Keep it? Toss it?
4. I have a few other resources that just came in via inter-library loan that deal specifically with digital performing arts resources, so I made add a section on this. This would either be in addition to or instead of one of the existing sections, depending on what you think.
5. In terms of media, I suppose I could embed some media from digital performing arts collections. Any other ideas?
   

Looking forward to your comments, and please forgive the roughness of the draft!

Hi Chelsea,

I like your drafy draft and I feel it is a great start. In response to your first comment: citations are . At the very bottom of your page include

. I find the characteristics of performing arts archivists to be interesting but I would be worried about offering a possible stereotype. You could provide an introduction to the idea and note that other academics have noticed these characteristics. I spoke with Greg after our MOA visit to clarify the headings and content he was looking for on our wiki's. From my understanding, we can incorporate as many headings and subheadings that we feel are appropriate to the topic. For each one, we can include content from very brief (introducing the topic and hopefully a future student will contribute more) or we can include a significant portion. For example, the Archives of Ontario include all the archives within Ontario. I won't be able to cover all of the topics but I will introduce as many as I can and elaborate on the ones I am interested in. I hope this helps! As for the media portion, who doesn't love photographs? I am also curious to know whether or not we can include youtube links or links to other pages? Perhaps an addition resources page?

-Lisa :)

Sorry Chelsea, the citation code didn't show up for you to see. The citation is: <.ref.> (minus the two . of course, I am hoping this won't show up like above) and close with <./ref.> (minus the two .). At the end of your page you include <.references/.> (minus the two .). I hope this works!

-L

Hi, Lisa!

Your and Katie's comments have been very helpful! I did figure out the citations, eventually. It was...tedious. I have never appreciated Zotero more than when I wasn't able to use it!

Thanks so much for passing along your conversation with Greg to me, too. That is all good information to have and will help me think about these pages in a different way.

I would love to embed some video and images! I played around with it, and unfortunately, it looks like the video widgets don't a lot of functionality, You just can't do as much in the way of formatting as you can with images. Here is the link to the video widget help page (http://wiki.ubc.ca/Help:Adding_Media/Video) and here is the link to the images and pictures help page (http://wiki.ubc.ca/Help:Adding_Media/Images).

Hey Chelsea, Great stuff so far! I think your topic has the best opportunity for media additions. I was also wondering if subheadings for your Dalhousie case study might be a possibility just to break it up a bit. I think adding more case studies would be useful if they are significantly different from Dalhousie.

Hi, Mariko!

Many thanks for the suggestions about adding media and breaking up my sections with subheadings. Excellent suggestions and will do!

Hi Chelsea, Your "drafty draft" was very interesting to read, especially having never read anything about this type of archives. A few comments/suggestions: 1. Might be good to start off by providing the reader a brief definition of performing arts archives, to immediately orient the reader. Also, the introductory paragraphs have lots of great info, but may benefit from being broken up a bit (differenet subsections, or paragraphs). Or maybe pull some of that info out to make completely new sections. 2. I think adding some media would be great, especially media from performing arts archives. I agree with Mariko that your topic lends itself especially well to the use of media. Sorry, I don't have any other ideas for you though! 3. The Challenges section might benefit from being broken up into sub-sections (funding, access, lack of professional archivists, maybe different sections for the different types of archives) 4. I think the Characteristics of PA Archivists is an interesting section, but could definitely use another source or two to make it more well-rounded. Though I'm guessing there aren't to many out there.. 5.Great idea to include case studies! Helps to solidify the concept of a performing arts archives. I think the Dalhousie one could benefit from some sub-sections, and could perhaps be shortened a bit overall. The elements of this that jumped out to me as most valuable were the brief history of the archives you provided, the discussion of their digitization project, explaining how they provide advice to theaters on how to manage their records, and talking about some of the challenges they face.

~Katie

Hi, Katie!

Thank you so much for your comments, which are very helpful! I think based on your and also Lisa's comments, I should maybe just move the section about the characteristics of performing arts archivist into the "About Performing Arts Archives" and make it just a few sentences. As you suggested, I don't thnk there are other articles specifically on this topic, and basically all that Marini is getting at is that they perhaps have more subject knowledge, have to be more proactive about seeking out materials, and are more engaged with their user communities / more focused on outreach.

Also an excellent point about breaking up my existing sections with more sub-sections. I think where I am going wrong is treating this like a normal paper as opposed to a wiki...too much academic writing may have ruined me forever. And obviously another big weakness of my writing generally is a tendency to be a bit long winded (I know...shocking, right?). I'll see if I can trim down a bit and break things up a bit with more subheadings.

I still haven't been able to go through all of my other sources that came in from ILL, so there will be more content to come...eventually!

Hi Chelsea,

I really liked the section on the characteristics of the archivists...it's an unusual topic but that's what makes it interesting to read.

Thanks, Kathryn!

Yeah, the characteristics of different types of archivists is a super interesting area of research isn't it? I haven't come across anything else like it, which is good from a novelty standpoint, but it's hard to be comprehensive about the topic when there is only the one article. Still the consensus so far seems to be it should stay!

Hi, pod-women.

I think I am closing in on being done with my wiki page, and I wanted to know if you ladies had any last comments, questions, concerns, or suggestions. If so, send 'em my way!

Looking good Chelsea!

A few comments, and feel free to ignore them:

• Have you considered including references for your media, i.e. photographs? I know you can retrieve the source by clicking on the photo but I checked out wikipedia and they seem to be inconsistent in terms of referencing and not referencing their photos. I went with referencing to be on the safe, but redundant side.
• Check out the wiki help page, http://wiki.ubc.ca/Help:Footnotes_and_References It offers information on how to cite with ref names to avoid the long reference list. It may be a pain to correct all of your references but it would certainly tidy up the reference list. By the way, don't place " " around the reference name like the wiki page tells you to. It doesn't work and it took me a bit of trial and error to figure it out!
• Out of fear of losing my work again, I have been working on my edits in a word document and trying them out in a new sandbox page. You can check it out at http://wiki.ubc.ca/Sandbox:Archives_of_Ontario_draft sorry to be an inconvenience! You can also check out how I did the references if you have any questions about it.

Hope this helps!

Hey, Lisa!

All of the citations for my images are in the "Image and video attribution" section, which is just above the references section...but if it's not clear, maybe I should move them directly into the references?

I'll check out the reference list link you sent to me. Thanks!

No problem! Is the Image and Video attribution section listed in the wiki help or is that something you added in? Did I miss that part?

No, I just added it in, inspired by Chelsea B. I thought it was just a more visually helpful way of listing those sources.

Hey Chelsea! I think you should add a brief synopsis to the beginning that floats along side the table of contents it would look really nice and give people a good idea of what they are getting into! What you have right now is great but the first section is a little dense to work as an introduction.

Best of luck!

-Robert

Hi, Robert!

Thanks for your suggestion, which definitely echos some of the other feedback I have gotten (and will get started on just as soon as I finish one more paper!). I definitely have density problem with my writing generally, and it is especially noticeable in a wiki format, so lots of dividing into sub-sections to come, as well as providing a more succinct introduction. So intro text floating along side next to the table of content, huh? How does one accomplish that little piece of formatting magic? If you have tips, let me know!

To modify Rob's suggestion slightly -- maybe have a brief introduction above the list of contents? I plan on doing the same for my page, so when I figure out how to do that, I'll let you know! Very interesting and informative page on performing arts archives! I agree that some of the sections seem a little long and could be broken down a bit. I'm not sure how helpful the following suggestions are, so feel free to ignore if they don't fit your creative vision :) You could have a category on professional groups for performing arts archivists; there is some information on this at the end of your intro section and you might be able to pull stuff from elsewhere to flesh it out a little bit more.

Hi, Alexandra!

Thank you for the suggestion about adding a section on professional groups, which I hadn't through about. What would you like about adding the information you mentioned at the bottom of the first section to the top of the list of professional organizations at the bottom, or bringing that list of professional organizations up to earlier in the article?

Hi Chelsea,

This is a very interesting topic and I really enjoyed reading your Wiki and look forward to reading the Case Studies. Forgive me if I repeat some of the comments that have been made below. I think that the section on "Characteristics of Performing Arts Archivists" is interesting, but like Lisa points out, it could offer a stereotype. If you decide to remove this section (as discussed below), I think that the observations from the study could be worked into other sections elsewhere. I think the 5 categories of issues/characteristics that are common to the archivists also reflect characteristics/issues of performing arts archives and could be discussed in this context instead. (Am I making sense?).

I agree that the sections could be further subdivided to make it easier for the reader to focus in on a particular topic or just have a better overview of what is discussed under a particular section. For example, "Unique Materials" could be further subdivided according to broad types of materials. "Challenges" could also be further subdivided according to the type of challenge faced.

And, I think that videos and images are a great idea.

Cristen

Hi, Cristen.

Yes, absolutely, your idea of incorporating the characteristics of the performing arts archivists stuff into other sections makes perfect sense and seems a good way to include what is very interesting information, but a little odd as a stand alone section. Thanks for the suggestion!

And definitely, breaking up the big sections is on my list!

I do want to include more media, though (speaking to your topic a bit) I am always a little spooked about copyright issues. I will have to look at how other folks in the class have handled attribution and look at what the wiki wizards say about incorporating copyrighted materials into a class wiki. Falls under fair dealing with proper attribution, yeah?

Hi Chelsea,

Copyright on the wiki is a tricky issue that I haven't figured out yet. Here is what the upload wizard for the UBC Wiki has to say: http://wiki.ubc.ca/index.php/Special:UploadWizard

There is no mention of fair dealing, and my guess is because this is a public site, so that might affect what we can include even if it is for research purposes. I don't think that fair dealing applies, but I could be wrong.

I checked this out for some clarification: http://copyright.ubc.ca/requirements/fair-dealing/ It's difficult to say, I think, because if we use an image we are using the entire image.

What do you think? Maybe Greg can weigh in?

Yeah, I looked at that upload wizard thing, too, and it kind of put me off of the idea of adding any media.

I was able to find some theatre and dance related archival images on Flickr Commons, but, while they will provide visual interest, they don't actually relate directly to any of the institutions I talk about, and just grabbing something from the website of one of the archives I am discussing seems to be a no-no.

So, what say you Groupies? Add non-copyright restricted visual content for the heck of it, even if it's only tangentially relevant?

Hi Chelsea,

Wow, you've done a lot of work! I read through your wiki and found a few grammatical mistakes:

"Performing arts archives" section:

"The challenging and paradoxical role of performing arts archives is __ preserve print and non-print materials that give some measure of stability and permanence to these ephemeral performances." (Should a "to" be inserted here? From paragraph 1)

"The goal of performance arts archives is to preserve documentation of the history and organizational aspects of the performing arts and the people or organizations that create them for scholars and the general public, and also “to capture the art form’s essence and spirit”." (there are a lot of 'ands' in this sentence, perhaps it could be broken up into two sentences instead? From paragraph 2)

"Still archival scholar Francesca Marini argues that the specialized knowledge of performing arts archivists has not been completely integrated into the larger professional community." (Perhaps insert a comma between "Still" and "archival" at the start of the sentence. From paragraph 3).

"Limits of archives..." Section

"The points raised about the limitations of archives in representing / documenting the performing arts are intriguing at the same time that they go against many of the foundational principles of archival science." (perhaps you could insert the word "and" instead of using "/"? From paragraph 2)

"These dialogues may also archives to better represent the performing arts and meet the needs of artists and researchers." (I think a word is missing between 'also' and 'archives.' From paragraph 2).

Other comments:

Perhaps you could have a general introduction prior to the table of contents that broadly introduces performing arts archives - such as saying what an archives is, that there are many different types of archives, and one type is performing arts archives? I know this is pretty basic information, but it may be helpful for other UBC students who know nothing about archives and happen to come into contact with your page.

I love that you have included a YouTube video! Are there are any other forms of media that you could insert, such as photographs of the Siobahn Davies Dance or the other dance companies you discuss? I find your case studies informative and interesting, and wouldn't shy away form adding others if you have the chance.

I feel a bit tentative in suggesting this, because I know its a lot of work as your list is so long, but I think it could be useful to make a note of what performing art collections are held at the archives you have mentioned near the bottom of your wiki. It could just be a broad sentence saying that they have dance records, theatre records, or something along those lines.

Also, I read on the discussion page that you are not sure about the inclusion of "characteristics of performing arts archivists." I just wanted to say that I think this is an interesting aspect of your wiki and I really enjoyed it - I vote to keep it in!

Chelsea

Thank you so much, Chelsea B!

I will get on those grammatical errors, and thanks for catching them.

Yes, an introduction about performing arts archives is definitely on my to-do list, and I think it will give the wiki a much less jarring start.

You know, I was initially excited about the Youtube video, but I haven't been able to figure out a way to format it nicely, add a credit line, etc. the way you are able to do for photos, so I am not sure I should keep it. It seems a shame since A/V is so integral to performing arts archives. But then again, I don't want an ugly wiki!

I like the idea of adding information about the type performing arts materials are housed at the different repositories, but it's a bit all over the map to be honest. Some of the archives hold a fonds from one small local barbershop quartet (not really, but you get the idea) and other hold what seems like a million fonds from every dance, music, or theatre organization in the province. I am not sure I could add information about holdings in a way that was both accurate and consistent, but I'll give it some thought. If you have any suggestions, send them along. Maybe I could just list a few "highlights?"

Thanks again!

Hi Chelsea,

To be honest, I did think my suggestion of discussing the holdings at particular archives might be an impossible task. But, if possible, I do think it would provide really valuable information to your wiki. I like your idea of having a few "highlights" - that way you do get to mention some collections without becoming buried in them :)

Chelsea

Hi Chelsea, I vote you keep the video! Especially since, as you mentioned, moving image records are such an important part of this field. Perhaps you could make the video smaller?

I am hoping to put a video in my page as well and will be working on it this weekend. If I come across any useful tidbits related formatting, putting credits in, etc., I'll let you know.

Hi, Katie.

Yes, I was able to make the video smaller, though it involved math *shudder* to keep the proportions correct. I was hoping that by leaving out the height and just adjusting the width in the code, it would keep the proportions...but not so. If you end up adding video, just a little piece of info to keep in mind!

Hi Chelsea, Chelsea B. had suggested I look at the British Library's website fro my wiki and, in the process, I saw something that could be of interest to you. They have a large (and fun!) repository of sound recordings. Within this repository is their Theatre Archive Project (http://sounds.bl.uk/Arts-literature-and-performance/Theatre-Archive-Project), with a large variety of sound recordings relating to theatre in the mid-twentieth century. Also, if you click on 'show full description' there are a bunch of links to other sites that could be useful.

Katie

Hi, Katie!

That sounds like a fun and rather dangerous distraction at this time in the semester. I will try not to go too far down the rabbit hole, or at least only go as far down as it is academically helpful at the moment!

This actually brings up a really good question though. I have been pretty much sticking to North America, and in fact for my list of repositories that hold performing arts archives, I have stuck to Canada exclusively (there is just so much!!). Does this seem okay, or does it feel like I am omitting important stuff? If I do stick to North American / Canadian examples, should I create place-holder sections for those other places (like the U.K.) that have really strong performing arts archives traditions? That will at least let folks know that there is more research to be done in those areas. Or should I just assume that if someone is interested in those areas, they will add sections in the future? Partly, I just don't like the idea of having "bald" sections from an aesthetic standpoint, but if I omit them completely, will it just seem like I didn't know the U.K. has a lot of amazing resources? Thoughts?

Hi Chelsea, I think it okay to focus on Canada or North America. If you are going to do that though, I would say you should either change the name of the entry (such as "Performing Arts Archives in North America") or put in the placeholders for other countries as you suggested. The thought of having "bald" sections is certainly less than ideal, but it shows that you are recognizing their existence and invites others to add to them. You could perhaps at least put a sentence or two for each country/region, and maybe a link for more info.

Katie

One more thought, if you expand out to include the US, the Harry Ransom Center at U. of Texas might be something to look at: http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/collections/performingarts/. They have performing arts materials, though I'm not sure to what extent. They are one of the big dogs in the world of lit archives though, so I'm guessing they could have a decent amount of performing arts materials as well.

Hi, Katie!

Oh, aren't they just the big dogs, though! Man, it's almost worth going to Texas just to see all the amazing things they have there. They are like the Yankees of the special collections world...when you have all the money, you get all the marbles (that is a mixed metaphor if I have ever heard one!).

I am sure you already found this, but just in case you didn't, the Harry Ransom Center and the University of Reading Library in the U.K. developed this "a database of copyright contacts for writers, artists, and prominent figures in other creative fields," which might be helpful for your section on literary archives and copyright.

http://norman.hrc.utexas.edu/watch/

Hi Chelsea,

Just wanted to share this with you. I came across it when doing research for the Victoria and Albert Museum Archives, and noticed they had four separate archival programs within their institution, one being a theatre and performing arts archives! It's more just for your interest, as your focus on North American (and mainly Canadian) institutions is more than enough for this wiki! If I include any mention of it in my wiki, which I think I will, I'll throw an internal link up to your wiki page so that readers can get more information about Performing Arts Archives specifically!

http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/t/archives-theatre-performance/

-Taryn

Thanks, Taryn!

Man alive, do I ever love the Victoria and Albert Museum! They have done such cool stuff over the years. Did you see the thing on the website about the Theatre & Performance Galleries Tours? In the immortal words of Liz Lemon: "I want to go to there!"

I do regret having to leave out mentioning so many great performing arts archives in the interest of finding an appropriate scope, but hopefully someone in the future will be able to explore all of these great resources "across the pond." I appreciate your linking to my page!

Hey Chelsea,

What an interesting topic! It was really great to read, I especially enjoyed the section on unique items. I know it was suggested awhile ago, but I definitely think it will help if you were able to break up your sections into smaller sub-sections, because not only does it help to paint a clearer picture of what you'll be talking about in the table of contents, it will resemble more of a "wiki" style (lots of visual breaks) than a paper style (which you've addressed in your replies to the early comments already).

Just as an example, “Goals of Performing Arts Archives” and “Relationship with Traditional Archives” could be sub-headings of your introductory section on Performing Arts Archives.

Otherwise you've got a lot of really interesting content here!

Thank you, Taryn!

If nothing else, I can generally be counted on for "a lot" of content...whether it's actually "interesting"...well, that's a while other thing!

It's a bit discouraging to feel like school is somewhat zapping my ability to write in any style other than academic, but it's definitely more challenging that I expected! These sub-headers are great suggestions. Many thanks again!