A Matter of Facts
The Value of Evidence in an Information Age
Published on 30. July 2019
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-0-8389-1771-8 (ISBN)
Description
The safeguarding of authentic facts is essential, especially in this disruptive Orwellian age, where digital technologies have opened the door to a post-truth world in which "alternative facts" can be so easily accepted as valid. And because facts matter, archives matter. In this urgent manifesto, archives luminary Millar makes the case that authentic and accurate evidence is crucial in supporting and fostering a society that is respectful, democratic, and self-aware. An eye-opening treatise for the general public, an invaluable resource for archives students, and a provocative call-to-arms for working professionals, Millar's book
explains the concept of evidence and discusses the ways in which records, archives, and data are not just useful tools for our daily existence but also essential sources of evidence both today and in the future;
includes plentiful examples that illustrate the critical role evidence plays in upholding rights, enforcing responsibilities, tracing family or community stories, and capturing and sharing memories; and
examines the impact of digital technologies on how records and information are created and used.
With documentary examples ranging from Mesopotamian clay tablets to World War II photographs to today's Twitter messages and Facebook posts, Millar's stirring book will encourage readers to understand more fully the importance of their own records and archives, for themselves and for future generations.
explains the concept of evidence and discusses the ways in which records, archives, and data are not just useful tools for our daily existence but also essential sources of evidence both today and in the future;
includes plentiful examples that illustrate the critical role evidence plays in upholding rights, enforcing responsibilities, tracing family or community stories, and capturing and sharing memories; and
examines the impact of digital technologies on how records and information are created and used.
With documentary examples ranging from Mesopotamian clay tablets to World War II photographs to today's Twitter messages and Facebook posts, Millar's stirring book will encourage readers to understand more fully the importance of their own records and archives, for themselves and for future generations.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Chicago
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
280 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8389-1771-8 (9780838917718)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Dr. Laura A. Millar is an independent consultant in records, archives, and information management and has also worked in publishing and distance education. She has consulted with governments, universities, colleges, professional associations, non-profit organizations, and other agencies in Canada and internationally. Recent projects include advising the Government of Alaska on the integration of the state's library, archives, and museum operations and working with the Government of Alberta's Environment Ministry to develop electronic record-keeping systems. She was named the winner of the Society of American Archivists' 2011 Waldo Gifford Leland Award for Archives: Principles and Practices. She is the author of dozens of publications and conference presentations, and she has taught records and archives management in several universities, including the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, and the University of Toronto. She lives in Roberts Creek, British Columbia, Canada.