Archivists and Social Responsibility: A Response to Mark Greene

Abstract

Once again Mark Greene has contributed a thoughtful, reasoned, and challenging essay to the archival discourse, demonstrating why his voice has become one of the most compelling in the American archival profession. The breadth and depth of his analysis of critical issues facing the profession are impressive, as are the passion and commitment he demonstrates time after time.1 The importance of the issues he addresses here can be seen in the lively debates sparked during a brown bag discussion of Greene’s essay during the August 2013 Society of American Archivists (SAA) annual meeting in New Orleans. Greene allowed American Archivist editor Gregory S. Hunter to distribute copies of his essay, before publication, as a catalyst for discussion. I am grateful to both of them for allowing me an opportunity to respond to his critique.