Document Type
Article
Publication Title
American Archivist
Publication Date
12-2-2021
Keywords
Impostor syndrome; Professional development; Professional identity; Feminized professions; Toxic workplace; Interpersonal dynamics; Workplace communication; Collegiality
Abstract
In 2019, a group of archivists participated in two conference sessions focused on impostor syndrome in the archives field. Though no comprehensive study on impostor syndrome has been undertaken in the archives profession, the authors listened to numerous stories of the phenomenon among audience members. This perspectives article considers the presence and impact of impostor syndrome in the archives field. The authors define the phenomenon, review literature on its influences in the information science profession, include stories of archives professionals working with impostor syndrome, and offer suggestions for working through impostor syndrome.
Recommended Citation
April K. Anderson-Zorn, Michael Andrew Davis, Danielle Nowak, Alison Stankrauff; Our Comeback Story: Impostor Syndrome in the Archival Profession. The American Archivist 1 September 2021; 84 (2): 502–519. doi: https://doi.org/10.17723/0360-9081-84.2.502