Learn how to cultivate collaborative relationships and place people at the center of archival work to create a growing and thriving archive.
The Relational Archivist argues that the future of archival practice depends on recognizing relationships as foundational to how we preserve and share history. While collections remain central to archives, their meaning and impact are realized through the connections archivists build with the people who create, use, support, and sustain archival work. This relationship-centered approach strengthens archival practice, enriches institutions, expands access, and fosters more engaged communities.
Drawing on public history, archival scholarship, and examples from university archives, this book demonstrates how intentional relationships lead to stronger collections, innovative exhibits, meaningful programs, donor partnerships, and collaborative opportunities. It offers practical strategies for cultivating shared authority, reducing professional isolation, and building sustainable archival practices.
More than a guide to archival outreach, The Relational Archivist challenges the profession to reconsider how archives define success. Archives preserve the stories of people, but they depend on the people who steward those stories. By supporting archivists, creating healthier workplaces, strengthening institutions, and fostering deeper community connections, relational practice helps ensure that the stories entrusted to archives continue to inspire future generations.
