Archives have traditionally been concerned with the acquisition of existing materials, their conservation and care, and in facilitating research on the materials. As keepers of heritage material, archives of endangered languages and music have a unique relationship with and role within the endangered language communities. One of these roles is encouraging, advising, and educating communities in language documentation. In this proactive role, the Native American Languages Department at the SNOMNH is itself a producer of language documentation materials. The staff produces in-house (studio) recording and on-site (field) recording as the request of Tribal communities, families, and Native language instructors.

This talk will focus on two main issues: 1) The extended role of archives as educator in best practices of documentation and 2) Best practices choices in the field and studio. In addition, we will discuss how we have tried to balance best practices with limitations in money and digital storage space, and with community sensitivities about recording.