Each semester, we showcase Carleton academics whose research interests complement one of our current exhibitions, and invite them to give a Lunchtime Lecture on their research.

Inspired by Akram Zaatari’s practice of unearthing, collecting and re-contextualizing documents that represent Lebanon’s complex history in Akram Zaatari: All is Well, the latest Lunchtime Lecture will feature Patti Harper (Carleton University Archives and Research Collections) speaking about archival narrative. Archival documents do not narrate history – they are static shards that have been created and collected. They are waiting for someone to create a narrative from them – but has the archivist also created a narrative of their own with the material in the process of their professional work? If so, what are the characteristics of this archival narrative and why is it important to know about it?

Bring your lunch, the gallery will provide coffee and tea, and we’ll all learn something new!

Patti Harper has been at Carleton University since 1998, first as University Archivist and since 2006, Head of Archives and Research Collections at the Library. She has worked with many different groups and departments at Carleton on projects. Ms. Harper has participated both nationally and internationally on archival matters. She continually strives to acquire specialized collections of value to engage teaching, learning and research activities.

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