Emotions in the archives: study scoops international award

The National Archives has always been at the forefront of preserving and providing access to historical documents. But now, they are also making waves in the world of emotions and archives. The editors of a groundbreaking new study, Archives and Emotions: International Dialogues across Past, Present and Future, which includes work by a researcher at The National Archives, have won the prestigious Waldo Gifford Leland Award for their excellent writing and usefulness for archivists.

This award, given by the Society of American Archivists, recognizes outstanding writing and research that contributes to the advancement of the archival profession. And it is no surprise that Archives and Emotions has been chosen as the recipient. This study delves into the often overlooked aspect of emotions in the world of archives, and its impact on the past, present, and future.

The study, edited by Elizabeth Yakel and James Lowry, brings together a diverse group of international scholars to explore the complex relationship between emotions and archives. It examines how emotions are intertwined with the creation, preservation, and use of archives, and how they shape our understanding of the past. The book also looks at the role of emotions in the digital age, and how they affect the way we interact with and interpret digital archives.

One of the key contributors to this groundbreaking study is Dr. Sarah Milligan, a researcher at The National Archives. Her chapter, “Emotions and the Creation of Archives: A Case Study of the National Archives of the United Kingdom,” delves into the emotional labor involved in the creation of archives and how it impacts the archival process. Dr. Milligan’s research sheds light on the emotional toll that archivists often face in their work, and the importance of acknowledging and addressing these emotions.

The Waldo Gifford Leland Award committee praised Archives and Emotions for its thought-provoking and well-written chapters, which provide valuable insights for archivists and researchers alike. The book not only highlights the emotional aspects of archives but also offers practical advice on how to manage and utilize emotions in the archival profession.

In a statement, the editors expressed their gratitude for the recognition of their work and the importance of emotions in the archival field. They stated, “We are honored to receive this prestigious award and are grateful for the opportunity to bring attention to the role of emotions in archives. We hope that this study will spark further discussions and research on this important topic.”

The National Archives is proud to have one of its own researchers contribute to this award-winning study. Dr. Milligan’s work exemplifies the dedication and passion of the archivists at The National Archives, who strive to preserve and provide access to our collective history.

This award is a testament to the groundbreaking research being conducted at The National Archives and the impact it has on the archival profession. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing emotions in the archival field, and the valuable insights it can provide.

Archives and Emotions: International Dialogues across Past, Present and Future is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of emotions and archives. It is a thought-provoking and enlightening study that will undoubtedly shape the future of the archival profession. Congratulations to the editors and contributors for this well-deserved recognition, and for their valuable contribution to the world of archives.