American Archival Studies Quotes

“The distrust of external authority heightened the individualism that has largely defined the American character. Americans think of themselves as practical, innovative, and resourceful people who can solve their own problems. This American pragmatism, which sometimes appears as a strain of anti-intellectualism, has strengthened the egalitarian disdain for overarching theory.”
― Randall C. Jimerson, American Archival Studies: Readings in Theory and Practice

“This apparent conflict between theory and practicality, and between individualism and collectivism, has led some American archivists to a crisis of professional identity. They see archivists in Europe and Canada enjoying a clearer sense of professional purpose, a greater unity of agreed upon principles and methods, a stronger recognition and respect from the public.”
― Randall C. Jimerson, American Archival Studies: Readings in Theory and Practice