The History of LA as Subject: 25 years of championing less visible archives
LA as Subject is a research alliance dedicated to preserving access to archival materials related to the rich history of Los Angeles. Much of the city’s history is preserved in libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions. Many significant and valuable collections—those that tell the stories of families, communities, and prominent Angelenos—are scattered across Southern California, curated by smaller institutions and individual enthusiasts. With an online directory of more than 230 separate collections, LA as Subject ensures that researchers know what materials are available, where they are located, and how to access them. Readers can search and browse the directory online.
LA as Subject’s biggest undertaking is the annual Archives Bazaar. At the all-day event, members bring their unique collections together, allowing scholars, researchers, archivists, librarians, students, and history enthusiasts to interact with the alliance’s members.
Members also meet bimonthly at different locations around Southern California. These meetings allow participants to network, observe different preservation methods, and share best practices. The Member Meetings Archives are available on line.
History
The Archives Forum was originally convened in 1997 by the Getty Research Institute to support the work of the LA as Subject research project, and the production of Cultural Inheritance/L.A.: A Directory of Less-Visible Archives and Collections in the Los Angeles Region as well as an online database.
In 2000, the database was transferred to the USC Libraries, which remains the administrative home for the consortium today. Entities in the directory became “members,” and a formal executive committee was established. They created a new charter that solidified four major goals: to improve the visibility of and access to archives; promote a more inclusive narrative; promote services to archives; and advocate for the preservation and sustainability of Los Angeles focused collections.
