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The Original Order of Things:
An AAO Monthly Newsletter
May 2022, Volume 2, Issue 5
Student/New Professional Spotlight:
Huilin (Irene) Xiong
2. Why did you choose to pursue a career in the archival profession?
I chose Archives and Records Management as my concentration of study to simply diversify my skill set in the field of information and to build on my knowledge and experience in librarianship. However, I was soon intrigued by the complexities and beauty of archival records and decided to explore the archival profession. Unlike library collections, archival collections are unique and one of a kind. They serve as primary sources, the meaning and value of which comes from their creators and context as much as from their content. What is more, archival records are windows to the past, and therefore archivists, through their understanding of the records and their roles in appraising, describing, and preserving the records, could actively embrace the power of knowledge to serve as a bridge between past, present, and future. It is satisfying to know that my work contributes to the preservation and comprehension of the history of a place and a people, so I believe that the archival profession is a place where I can derive fulfilment and enjoyment from my work.
3. When and why did you first join the AAO?
I am a newcomer to the AAO and only joined this April. I joined the AAO because I will be graduating from the iSchool so I wanted to maintain a close connection with the archival profession and community. Archival work can be quite isolating, especially in the pandemic environment where most of our interactions only happen online. The AAO provides invaluable professional support for us recent graduates and new professionals through its annual conferences, publications, interest groups, and professional training, serving as a welcoming place for us to connect with professionals and seek career development.
4. What aspect of archival work interests you the most?
I always find it fulfilling and rewarding to help people locate the information they want. In the context of archival work, I enjoy providing access to archival materials and connecting users to the records that they are seeking. I am also interested in educating students, researchers and the general public on the use of primary sources, finding aids, and archival repositories. An Archives is not only a repository of past materials, but also a welcoming learning hub where information is examined, analyzed, and diffused for people to be better able to understand the society they live in and how it has changed over time. Archivists can make a real difference in facilitating this process through their educational role and this is the aspect of archival work that I am most excited to take on.
5. What do you think is the most pressing issue facing archivists today?
I think the most pressing issue facing archivists today is the inability to fully process and preserve born digital records. The acquisition and processing of born digital records generally requires more urgent and proactive steps to be taken. Also, providing sustainable access to a wide range of born-digital content requires an extra investment of resources. Most archives are underfunded and under-resourced, making them less motivated to take good care of their digital assets.