Thinking creatively, planning strategically new modalities in the management of archives and museums as Covid 19 becomes endemic

Abstract

In the Caribbean, with the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic, which some medical personnel now say is endemic, many National Archives and museums have become isolated and to some extent forgotten by their governments as emphasis is placed on assisting the citizenry to attain proper and adequate health care, retain their livelihoods and acquire new ways of earning a living.

National Archives and museums are heritage organizations whose main purpose is to serve the citizens in their quest for knowledge about their heritage, history, and identity. Some people therefore regard them as being consumers and not producers and therefore do not merit immediate attention in such trying times.

This paper seeks to show how undeterred; National Archives and museums need to show their worth and resilience by forming new partnerships, acquiring sensitive advocates, and using new techniques which are emotionally charged to get out of the shadows and emerge into the limelight to retain their rightful place in society. This can be done by thinking creatively and planning strategically.