#USA #New York #Digital Humanities #ACLS #Recovery Scholarship

The Importance of Diversity in Digital Humanities

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has unveiled its influential report titled "Other Stories To Tell: Recovery Scholarship and the Infrastructure for Digital Humanities". Released on June 27, 2025, this comprehensive study outlines critical recommendations aimed at improving access to digital humanities resources, particularly within academic settings. This initiative arises in response to pressing challenges faced by colleges and universities in fostering a diverse scholarly dialogue and engaging broader communities.

Key Findings of the Report

The report was produced by a national commission comprising 21 prominent scholars, archivists, and librarians. Their collaborative effort identifies seven actionable strategies designed to enhance diversity, sustainability, and accessibility in digital humanities initiatives. The primary goal is to build vital connections between academic institutions and a wide array of societal groups, ensuring that rich, diverse narratives are included in the discourse of the humanities.

One crucial aspect underlined in the report is the need for community-centered digital archiving approaches. Institutions are encouraged to develop sustainable models that not only preserve history but actively include varying perspectives from the communities they serve. By acknowledging and rewarding contributions from both campus and community members in these projects, universities can cultivate a more inclusive environment for digital scholarship.

Building Digital Infrastructure

Another primary focus of the report involves establishing strong digital infrastructures that can withstand the test of time. Librarians and publishers are called upon to create a wealth of new resources designed for both present and future generations. This involves collaboration across academic settings, fostering collective efforts rather than operating in isolation. By encouraging partnerships among schools, libraries, and local communities, the report posits that new research methods can thrive by leveraging shared resources and knowledge.

The comprehensive document also highlights the essential role of technology in redefining the educational experience. It presents various tools and frameworks to facilitate engagement with digital humanities content, effectively breaking down the walls that often separate academia from the public. Educators and institutions are urged to embrace digital methods not just as auxiliary tools but as transformative avenues of learning that can effectively convey societal narratives.

A Call for Action

As the report illuminates the pathway to future advancements in digital humanities, it serves as a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. With its rich compilation of guidelines and tools, "Other Stories To Tell" offers insight into concrete steps that can be taken to foster an inclusive digital environment. It underscores the importance of diversity in the humanities as a crucial factor for innovation and relevance in academia.

Furthermore, the ACLS has made this report widely accessible through various platforms, including as a downloadable PDF and through the ACLS Manifold instance. This access allows project teams and administrators to engage deeply with the recommendations, adapting them to their specific institutional contexts.

Conclusion

The release of this report is timely, especially as institutions seek to rebuild trust and engagement with society amidst unprecedented challenges. By embracing the tenets laid out in "Other Stories To Tell", academic entities can redefine their role in the creation and dissemination of knowledge, ensuring that the humanities not only reflect a kaleidoscope of human experiences but also empower a new generation of scholars and learners who are equipped to engage with their world thoughtfully and inclusively.

In summary, ACLS's report offers an essential guide for those invested in the future of digital humanities, marking a pivotal point in how we approach education, access, and diversity in this ever-evolving field.