"Cultural Competency: A Framework for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Archival Profession in the United States"

Abstract

This article explores cultural competency in the context of the archival profession in the United States. The author reviews the cultural competency framework, the pertinent literature of archives, library, and information studies (LIS) and beyond, and surveys activity within the archival field. The author also connects cultural competency to archival principles and practice, and offers a call for further research to develop cultural competency within the profession. Cultural competency is offered as a framework for equity, diversity, and inclusion work that is accessible and available to all, and as one that provides a way forward particularly for dominant-culture archivists. Furthermore, archivists can contribute uniquely to the discourse on cultural competency within LIS; this article responds to the call for, and encourages more, discourse with LIS.