Posted on November 21, 2010

Archvists Watch header

Archvists Watch header

Archivists Watch, established by Aileen Rose Cornelio includes news, links to other websites that share an interest in the issue of archives and human rights, and blogs commenting on current developments in the filed. Definitely a site to keep an eye!

Mission Statement

Archivists Watch aims to promote and enhance the work and knowledge base of practicing and aspiring Human Rights Archivists world-wide with the ultimate goal of working towards greater integration of various available resources.

Vision

In the spirit of defending of human rights and for the activist in all of us information professionals out there, this is a forum from which debate may be fomented, resolutions found, and new ideas born. This is a place where archives, records, and information come alive to uphold and protect human rights, which transcend age, gender, race, and borders.

In an ideal world, the archive, whether a virtual or physical space, can open up and continue the dialogue for those whom the events remain a living and/or historical memory. It is a platform for ongoing dialogue between the records and the people affected by the events stated therein, well after the wars, persecutions, judicial processes, tribunals, or commissions have disbanded.

The integrity and evidential quality of records give them a unique role as tools for social agency and advocacy in national or international human rights matters. Sadly this role has yet to be well-recognized. Many professional associations have yet to address the challenge of integrating human rights into archival standard practices, outreach programs, and services. At the pace with which digital archives and databases grow, this deficiency will demand more attention from information professionals to create meaningful applications out of the burgeoning technology in order to facilitate cultural dialogue, reconciliation, good governance, legal accountability, and the general improvement of lives because of better access to information.

About Aileen Rose Cornelio, Creator

I am an independent researcher in the field of Archives and Records Management, based in Toronto. I bring some of the Canadian archival tradition to this forum which also addresses relevant issues in the context of international issues.

As an MA in Information Studies candidate at the Faculty of Information, University of Toronto, I intend on developing a rich understanding of how organized information encourages peace and facilitates knowledge sharing. Professionally I am interested in the role that archives and records play in civil society, development efforts, and human rights issues. Information and knowledge inform the education and cultural identity of citizens, and the transparency and accountability of those in positions of authority. There are issues to be explored such as the impacts of access, visibility, and connectivity with digital archives and databases to local communities which are systematically disadvantaged. As an information professional I plan to keep abreast of current solutions in the democratization of information. I would also like to be a pioneer in advocating better information practices to serve underprivileged groups whom may be disadvantaged due to the bottlenecks of poor infrastructure, lack of ICTs or networks, and/or simply because of illiteracy.