A few thoughts

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!