Theory
African American Community Archives Theory is based on a conceptual framework that aims to facilitate the archiving process within Black communities. It recognizes the importance of preserving and organizing information in a way that serves these communities' specific needs and interests. By embracing this framework, librarians, archivists, and community historians can chronicle and safeguard the extensive history, culture, and experiences of African Americans, thus ensuring the accurate depiction of their narratives through information management. Autoethnography acts as the guiding method, using triangulation to integrate various methods and tools in both research and community environments.
The development and preservation of African American community archives are essential, as they serve as valuable primary resources for future generations to explore their roots and gain a profound understanding of their community's history. The integrated theory of the foundational principles for practical use within the African American community comprises information as work in community archives based on the following principles.
•Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the diverse cultural histories and backgrounds of African American communities.
•Comprehending the history and experiences of the African American community is crucial for meaningful engagement and participation.
•Use community methodological approaches to information work, including survey methods, to gather valuable insights from the local community.
•Encourage active community participation by facilitating collaborative initiatives.