“Drawing from the writings of philosophers, religious scholars, progressive activists, historians, poets, and archivists—to name a few—Scott Cline weaves together a compelling argument for why archivists need to deploy the multi-layered idea of virtue into their everyday work. In this way, he challenges archivists to use whatever area of archival administration in which they work to continually and conscientiously embrace a framework of faith, integrity, truth, duty, wisdom, trust, and justice . . . all for the common good. ” —Louis Jones, Wayne State University
“Building on his American Archivist articles as well as extensive reading of philosophers, theologians, archivists, and other thought leaders, Scott Cline challenges his fellow archivists to be thoughtful about grounding our practice in things moral, ethical, just, and faithful. At a time when the profession is addressing issues of justice and power, Archival Virtue provides us with important new ways to frame our work into the future.” —Margery Sly, Temple University Libraries
“What do concepts of faith, radical self-understanding, intention, integrity, and covenant have to do with archives and the work that archivists do? Everything! In Scott Cline’s seminal book, these concepts are not merely terms you would encounter in the study of ethics, philosophy, and theology, but are inextricably interwoven with the individuals and archivists who perform the everyday tasks and decisions that must be accomplished for the archival collections which affect those who encounter them. ” —Vince Lee, University of Houston
“Weaving together ideas from philosophy, religion, literature, and history with personal reflection and practical experience, Scott Cline charts a brave and bold path for archivists to contemplate the deeper meanings of our work to preserve and provide access to archives—what it means to be an archivist, what our work means in the world, what it means for others. Archival Virtue is at once an invitation to connect with the spiritual elements of our work as archivists as well as a powerful invocation of the spirit that infuses the mind and the matter of archives, breathing life and meaning into archival work. Whether we dive deep or dip our toes into this book, the experience will offer new insights and bigger views for imagining and practicing archives with purpose in our current moment.” —Jennifer Meehan, Penn State University Libraries
"Cline's contribution to the continuing discussion on archival ethics, social justice in the archives, and critical archival theory from an openly spiritual lens is a unique approach that deserves serious consideration. His description of archival faith and the archives as a spiritual force for change adds new dimensions to these current issues. Cline's religiously inspired rhetoric may be uncomfortable for the secular professional world, but his attempts to re-enchant archival work with an active, spiritual facet is a thoughtful antidote to professional archivy's typically unfeeling, bureaucratic, and abstract worldview."
—Ted Lee, American Archivist
"Archival Virtue is the beginning of an important conversation in the archival profession. It begins to elucidate a framework for thinking about what it means to be an archivist and why we should engage with the world in particular ways. It also begins to provide a rationale for archival engagement in social justice and the building of a moral order. This book should be required reading for all archivists."
—J. Gordon Daines III, Journal of Western Archives
"Archival Virtueis a well-written, thoughtful book. It offers a much-needed perspective on our field as we continue to grapple with questions of justice, equity, and making the archives better for all."
—Meghan R. Rinn, Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies