Kelsey O'Connell
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Kelsey O'Connell
@archivistkelsey.bsky.social
140 followers 160 following 19 posts
(she/her)
Digital Archivist at Northwestern University Libraries
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archivistkelsey.bsky.social
freedom.press/the-classifi...
(1/3) February 11, 2025 President Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Transmitted via certified mail Re: Threats to the National Archives’ critical mission Dear President Trump: We, the undersigned organizations representing a broad and bipartisan coalition of civil society groups, historians, archivists, librarians, transparency advocates, journalists, and concerned citizens, write to express concerns about reports that Dr. Colleen Shogan was removed as the Archivist of the United States. Such a change likely will undermine continuity of the National Archives and Records Administration’s operations, as well as threaten its work to keep the government transparent and preserve our nation’s history. We urge you to reaffirm the independent and professional stewardship of the National Archives. (2/3) As you know, the National Archives is the custodian of America’s collective memory, preserving the nation’s records, including founding documents of the United States, and ensuring public access to records that document our democracy. It also plays a vital role in supporting the everyday needs of American citizens, from assisting veterans who rely on the archives for documentation that helps secure their benefits, to helping individuals trace their family histories through genealogical records. With forty-three facilities across 17 states, it also plays an important economic role across the country. These facilities include the current network of presidential libraries, where NARA staff work to preserve and promote public access to presidential materials. NARA’s responsibility in overseeing the declassification of government records is equally important. The National Archives’ work in this area ensures that declassification decisions are made with integrity and fairness, which in turn fosters trust in government, promotes accountability, and enables public understanding of government actions. These functions are essential in a democracy where an informed citizenry is paramount to effective governance. Dr. Shogan has performed these tasks with skill and grace under difficult financial and political circumstances. She should be allowed to continue in this role. The position of Archivist of the United States is one of importance to the public, including veterans. This position should not be held by someone who is primarily a political figure.1 Such a move would raise serious concerns about the agency’s independence and integrity. (3/3) NARA is already underfunded and overburdened. Abruptly terminating Dr. Shogan has disrupted the reforms she was working to complete, and destabilized the institution, which faces increasing demands to digitize records, modernize access, and process an ever-growing volume of documents. We urge the administration to prioritize continuity as well as sufficient funding and resources to ensure that the National Archives can fulfill its mission and serve the American public effectively. We strongly encourage you to reconsider your decision. The integrity of the National Archives must be protected to ensure that future generations can continue to learn from and engage with the records that define our nation’s past. Sincerely, American Governance Institute American Library Association The Authors Guild Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) Defending Rights & Dissent Free Government Information (FGI) Freedom of the Press Foundation Government Information Watch National Security Archive National Security Counselors PEN America
February 13, 2025 at 2:23 AM
archivistkelsey.bsky.social
I'm beginning a quest to recover data from damaged discs that may be the last remaining copy of a publication... No pressure
#digipres
January 27, 2025 at 5:22 PM