ABSTRACT
As case studies, both the Voices Out Loud project and the Black in Appalachia project represent the use of digital archives to collect, share, and preserve the stories and experiences of underrepresented groups within the central Appalachian region. In both popular culture and in predominate historical narratives, the Appalachian region itself is rarely presented as a complex and dynamic place that reflects a diversity of views and experiences beyond reductionist and destructive stereotypes. Each project serves as an example of community history that seeks to create a public, searchable archive of historical materials, including oral histories, memorabilia, newspapers, and other items that document a fuller, more complete picture of Appalachia. Such work has important implications for issues of social justice within the field of library and information science and serves to illustrate a critical approach to digital archival development. Both Voices Out Loud and Black in Appalachia have created digital platforms that bear witness to vital elements of Appalachian history that have been largely overlooked and that stand as a source of empowerment for the members of communities whose voices might otherwise go unheard. This chapter presents the challenges, opportunities, strategic actions, desired outcomes, and community impacts related to the development of these two digital archives.
