that society has about archives and archivists and we have to decide what we want
the information society to think about us, and we are responsible for the opinion
it will have about us.
Most of us, as professionals, have chosen to be an archivist. The reasons why we
made this choice, and when we made it might be very different. Nevertheless,
we all think that we have a major and strategic role to play in society as
professionals. Let us think again about it, and instead of fighting to decide if we
are speaking about two (or more) different professions, or if we represent a single
one, let us try to show some sort of solidarity considering the challenges that we
will all have to face.
Whatever the differences might be, we are referring back to fundamental
questions, which can be regarded either as quite serious obstacles, or as
promising avenues for exchanges and development of the reflection, and we hope
that the future handbook will be helpful.
Finally, what I have learnt from my own experience, and from my friendship with
Hans, is that to be a competent archivist, you have to feel easy in the society and
the environment you are living in, because we are interdependent. So enjoy living,
joking, dancing...and working!
To Hans, from Christine, July 2009-February 2010
CHRISTINE MARTINEZ WHEN CHRISTINE MEETS HANS OR AM I A COMPETENT ARCHIVIST?
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