ONGOING CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

We find ourselves living in a historic time. Historians of the future will want to know how we spent our days. What was the local, lived experience of a global pandemic and rapid political and social change from day to day and week to week? 

In the spirit of documenting this moment, the University Archives invites you to keep a diary of living through the crisis in Indiana. Diarists may type or write by hand, draw, compose poems, gather stories and so forth. No stress needs to be placed on “good grammar”, spelling or style. The emphasis is on self-expression, candor and a willingness to be a social commentator

We are inspired by the history of Mass Observation, on which more details can be found here: http://www.massobs.org.uk/

Since March 2020, events and experiences have been changing by the day. They are specific to you, and to your families and friends and communities. Please write for us now! The University Archives will welcome your diary’s deposit in either analog or digital form.To participate, please fill out this Google form to help us gather your information and so that we can keep you up to date as this project moves forward. For questions, please contact the IU Archives.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

• What should I document? All of our lives have been reshaped, and historians of the future will want to know how that looked and felt. Maybe you’re now working from home juggling caring for your kids, maybe you’re one of those heroic essential employees who is holding everything together right now, or maybe you’re now unexpectedly unemployed. What are some of the things that you’re anxious or frustrated about right now (caring for loved ones, racial injustice, making ends meet)? What are some things you’re thankful for (Skype cocktail dates with old friends, a helping hand from a neighbor, our nurses and doctors, protestors calling for change in our streets)? What are you noticing about everyday changes and political events in the world around you? Remember that what might currently feel mundane to us, is exactly what those in the future will want to know. Every person’s submission will be unique, because each our experiences will be unique. And how are these experiences changing from spring to summer to fall, how are your expectations of the future changing?
• Is there anything we should avoid writing about?  This is a VERY important question. One element of current conditions is a public health crisis, so it is possible that your submissions might include the personal health information of yourself or others. This information is legally protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  At the time of submission you will be asked to agree to a Personal Health Information Agreement, which you can read now on the Submission form. It’s important to note that you must agree not to include personally identifiable health information about another person or persons, or information that could allow a third party to identify other people. This might include members of your family, neighbors, etc. IF you do so, there are a couple of options: the 3rd party must separately submit the Personal Health Information Agreement, or your submission must be fully anonymized for both the submitter and any third parties identifiable in the submission. Please let us know if you have questions. 
• I’m a faculty member and I’d like to turn this into an assignment for my students, is there anything I need to know? That’s awesome! It is important to note however that you cannot in any way require, incentivize, or put any form of pressure on students to submit these projects to the archives. If you choose, you as a faculty member can simply make the students aware of the possibility to submit their projects at part of this project. You might say something like “This course assignment was inspired by this Covid-19 documentation project underway by the IU Archives. If you’re interested, you can consider submitting your project to help document this historic time, but you are not required to do so for this course, and any participation by you in the IU Archives' project is entirely separate from your enrollment in and requirements for this course.”
• My child (under 18) is home from school and would like to participate, can they? Unfortunately, no. In order to legally agree to the Submission Agreement and Personal Health Information Agreement that are part of the Submission Form, an individual most be over the age of 18. 
• What form of documentation do you prefer? We can accept any format, so please just chose one that suits you. 
• Can my submission include multiple formats? Yes! For example, you might have a written diary, but also want to include some photographs. 
• I’m not affiliated with IU and don’t live in Monroe County, can I still participate? While this project is only focused on these parameters, there are LOTS of these projects popping up across the country. If you live in the state of Indiana, you should check out the Indiana Historical Society’s “Telling Your Story” initiative. If you reside outside of the state, we highly suggest you contact another repository in your local community as they will be interested. 
•  How often should I write? We don’t expect a set amount, just do as much (or as little) as you are able. 
• Can diary submissions be anonymous? Or can you just use my first name? Yes, we will happily offer this option. We want all participants to feel comfortable to be honest in their submissions. 
• Can my submission be restricted from use for a period of time? Yes, we’re currently planning to offer the option to restrict materials for 5 years from the date of submission. Please contact the IU Archives at archives@indiana.edu if you have questions. 
• How frequently can/should I submit? This is up to you. If you want, you can send your submission in installments via the submission form or you can send it all at once when you are finished. 
• How do I submit? Fill out this IU Archives - Documenting Covid-19 Submission form and then email the IU Archives (archives@indiana.edu) with either a link to download your materials or attach them to your email. If your submission is in physical form (for example a handwritten diary) you're welcome to either drop it off at the IU Archives once we reopen or mail it to the following address: 

Indiana University Archives
1320 E. 10th Street 
Herman B Wells Library E460
Bloomington, IN 47405
Attn: Carrie Schwier

• When should I submit? At this point, this project is open ended as the situation continues to evolve. Please document for as long as you are willing and able. 

If you still have remaining questions, please email archives@indiana.edu. 
 

Take care, 

Carrie Schwier (University Archives) and Sarah Knott (Department of History)