ABSTRACT
DIY institutions are significant epistemologically because collection and curation criterion is based on vernacular knowledge of the community of interest being served by the DIY archive, museum or hall of fame. This chapter highlights the key challenge identified by DIYers regarding the potential for their institution to prosper in the longer-term – that is, generational change. It also considers two case studies that draw attention to the fragility of archives, museums and halls of fame that adopt the DIY approach to heritage. For some time now the Victorian Jazz Archive has been undergoing a transition from a DIY institution run almost solely by jazz enthusiasts, to a situation in which it has a substantial volunteer base from outside of the music culture. For some volunteers, attracting more "youthful" members to join their archival endeavors is one way to ensure the work that the DIY institution is trying to accomplish will continue after the departure of the foundational group of volunteers.
