The TPS Collective is the product of the energetic TPS Community. TPS stands for teaching with primary sources; people who come together under this categorization are self-selected and often work in fields such as archives, libraries, education, and museums.

Because the TPS Community draws members from varied professions, we want to clarify that our site uses the definition of primary sources in the Guidelines for Primary Source Literacy. We recognize that community members may have different conceptions of primary source literacy, and we encourage people to share those ideas.

Want to get involved with the TPS Collective?

Learn how to get involved as one of many volunteers. Work can look like joining an existing project, starting up a new effort will like-minded folks, or anything you can imagine.

Community Values

The TPS Community has generated these values collectively to guide our practice. As a dynamic community, we acknowledge these values may evolve over time.

  • We will nurture and create a community that is inclusive of all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, or stage of professional development. We achieve this goal through our choices in language, tone, and general demeanor.
  • We will respect the variety of perspectives in our workspace, understanding that everyone brings unique experience that is valuable.
  • We will be mindful of the privacy of others when sharing back information we take from this group and will understand when colleagues in this workspace are limited in the information they can share.  
  • We will actively listen to fellow members and engage thoughtfully with one another.
  • We will be sensitive to the anxieties and concerns of our colleagues and offer solidarity and support wherever it is sought.
  • We understand that this group is meant to be enriching both professionally and socially, and we will maintain space for both fun and work. 

 

What are “primary sources”?

Primary sources are materials in a variety of formats, created at the time under study, that serve as original evidence documenting a time period, event, people, idea, or work. Primary sources can be printed materials (such as books and ephemera), manuscript/archival materials (such as diaries or ledgers), audio/visual materials (such as recordings or films), artifacts (such as clothes or personal belongings), or born-digital materials (such as emails or digital photographs). Primary sources can be found in analog, digitized, and born-digital forms.