PhD Spotlight w/ Alison Day
Wellington School of Business and Government
Located in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand’s centre of innovation, entrepreneurship, policymaking and creativity.
1) What is your research and how did you arrive at the topic???
?My research explores the collecting, documenting and donating space with respect to Aotearoa New Zealand queer communities, queer independent archives, GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, museums) institutions and universities. This involves looking at the current situation and historical context regarding the collecting of queer material and the relationships that exist in this space.?
?I chose this topic for a combination of reasons. I have an interest in history and in archives. The material archives collect shapes the histories that are told and queer history is not well represented in Aotearoa New Zealand. Being an information studies student meant I could look at this topic from an archival perspective and investigate what has been happening and why. It has been fascinating.?
?
2) What has the process been like, how far through it are you, what’s next??
?I have really enjoyed it. I have presented at a couple of conferences including one in London last year so that was exciting. I’ve also got involved with ASIS&T (Association for Science and Technology) in a volunteer role and in a couple of other groups too, being a PhD student has opened these opportunities for me. I’ve met some really great people along the way too who have been very supportive.??
I’m up to the writing stage of my PhD and that is what is next for me.?
?3) What’s your favourite thing about Wellington??
?I love living near to the sea and the harbour, one of my favourite things. The other is being able to have the opportunity to take advantage of all Wellington has to offer from sports, outdoors and events to name but a few.?
#GLAM #Queer #Research #PhD #Postgraduate #InformationStudies #archives
?
?