A Practical Guidebook to Trauma Informed Archival Practice: Best Practices and Case Studies

A Practical Guidebook to Trauma-Informed Archival Practice: Best Practices and Case Studies explores trauma in archival work from the archivists’ perspective. It examines how trauma can manifest not only when processing collections but also in donor relationships, researcher interactions, and professional practices. This guide offers strategies for creating policies and workflows to reduce harm and foster trust throughout the archival process. The authors highlight practical approaches to minimizing trauma across archival work, including: · Supporting grieving donors throughout the donation process · Identifying trauma in archival workers, support staff, volunteers, and students before, during, and after exposure · Understanding the effects of trauma on the body and brain and offering short- and long-term solutions This book is a practical guide for archivists seeking to implement trauma-informed practices that benefit everyone who engages with archival materials.

Michelle Ganz is the Archives Director for the Dominican Sisters of Peace, USA.

Veronica L. Denison is an Assistant Professor and Digital Archivist and Special Collections Librarian at the Adams Library at Rhode Island College, USA.