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T h e A m e r i c a n A r c h i v i s t , V o l . 7 3 ( F a l l / W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 ) : 0 0 0 -0 0 0 463T h e A m e r i c a n A r c h i v i s t , V o l . 7 3 ( F a l l / W i n t e r 2 0 1 0 ) : 4 6 3 -4 8 2 Specimens as Records: Scientific Practice and Recordkeeping in Natural History Research Juan Ilerbaig A b s t r a c tFor the past two decades, scholars in archival science have begun to question traditional assumptions about the nature of the record. Drawing on theories from fields such as sociology, organization theory, and science studies, and on their own ethnographic studies, they propose more inclusive definitions and widening the contexts of analysis of record making and recordkeeping. This paper continues this critical consideration of the concept of record by examining the nature of nonprototypical records in the scientific world. The paper focuses on the system of specimens and field notes established by biologist Joseph Grinnell at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (University of California, Berkeley) as a means of examining several aspects of the nature of the scientific record: materiality, representation, and the triad evidence/memory/accountability. Focusing on the creation and management of these scientific records, the paper argues that further analyses of scientific record making and recordkeeping are bound to benefit both scientific work, which depends more and more on databases and archives, as well as archival science, which is becoming more relevant beyond its traditional realm of the legal/business/administrative world.

Drs Vicedo and Ilerbaig conceptualized and designed the study, conducted the research on the primary and secondary sources, drafted the initial manuscript, and reviewed and revised the manuscript; and both authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Reviews for a re-examination of all areas of our work is crucial. Critical Librarianship demonstrates a template for questioning our practices, identifying the problems, and moving toward a more just future. The major strength of this publication lies in its immediacy. The demands on information professionals in our current political climate are urgent. By examining our work within the context of critical theory, the authors suggest we might re-envision our labor and chart a new path for resistance. Drawing on pressing professional challenges and current news and events, The Politics of Theory and the Practice of Critical Librarianship motivates readers to apply action-oriented theory to their own work.