This seminar will explore the role of community and institutional archives and libraries in the making, preservation, and dissemination of Black histories from multidisciplinary practices.
During this two-day seminar, participants will learn together with community activists, scholars, students, archivists, and librarians on various methodologies and themes and reflect on case studies designed to promote collaboration and activation of print and archival records on Black histories across time and regions. On the first day, participants will share their work and interests in Black studies and consider key concepts together before turning their attention to a panel of scholars working in the field. On the second day, participants will focus on three case studies to learn about materiality, provenance, and stewardship of archival and library materials, while also thinking critically about the past, present, and future of community and institutional archives and libraries as spaces for memory and justice.
The seminar will take place between 13–14 June 2024 and will be facilitated by Désirée Rochat, community educator and transdisciplinary scholar, and David Fernández, Head of Rare Books and Special Collections at the University of Toronto, in collaboration with Dorothy Williams (Concordia University), Cheryl Thompson (TMU), Rosalind Hampton (OISE, University of Toronto), and dann j. Broyld (University of Massachusetts, Lowell), and Melissa J. Nelson (Archives of Ontario).
The Fisher Library summer seminar aims to provide opportunities for continuing education in Canada. We welcome all applicants with preference given to librarians and archivists working with community and institutional collections on Black history, museum and gallery curators, and scholars and students whose work and/or research will benefit from attending the seminar. Registration costs will be covered for accepted applicants, and include the registration fee, course materials, and lunch during the two days. Successful applicants are expected to cover their own transportation and accommodation costs.
Applicants are asked to submit an application form (downloadable below) and a Curriculum Vitae of no more than three pages by Friday, 29 March 2024.