On the Preservation of Ephemeral Staff: Impacts of the Gig Economy in Special Collections

Abstract

[Recording note: Tamar Dougherty’s presentation has been omitted from the recording at her own request.] In today’s “Gig Economy,” college-educated Americans are forced to piece together part-time, freelance, and ad-hoc ‘gigs’ to make a living. The Gig Economy flourished in tandem with the financial crisis of the late-2000s, and has since become the norm for skilled and post-graduate labor. In the special collections and archival sector, as institutions increasingly rely upon grants, one-time funds, and contracts to deliver human resources, professional opportunities are available as temporary, project-based, or term-limited “gigs.” This environment encourages turnover and stunts relationships with collections, researchers, and donors. It necessitates moonlighting and causes stress around personal matters, such as scheduling and healthcare. But it also forces us to be nimble and gain a variety of experience. What does the Gig Economy mean for our collections and community members? This seminar will critically evaluate how the Gig Economy affects materials, research, institutions, individual staff, and the profession as a whole. Hiring and project managers will learn about the spectrum of ramifications when modeling a position as a “gig.” Meanwhile, applicants and learners will learn when to utilize, and when to avoid, the Gig Economy for professional growth. Overall, attendees will gain perspective on the ways the Gig Economy both hinders and stimulates special collections, and leave prepared to advocate for labor issues in the RBMS community.