Chapter 9: Amplifying Silenced Voices: Potential Methodologies for Enhancing Minority Representation in Libraries and Archives of Iran

This research examines the systematic silencing of ethno-religious minority groups in the National Library and Archives of Iran, and Kermanshah and Khuzestan public libraries, with a focus on the marginalization of communities such as the Yārsān. By addressing the lack of diversity in libraries, the study highlights the critical issue of representation and accessibility of minority voices. The goal is to challenge and transform exclusionary practices through the strategic amplification of these marginalized voices in library collections. Furthermore, the research proposes a three-pronged methodology to actively integrate the perspectives of these minority groups into libraries. First, it advocates for periodical workshops for scholars and researchers, focusing on skills necessary for collecting, documenting, and compiling local resources from marginalized groups in Tehran, Kermanshah, and Khuzestan. These workshops will also provide training in writing descriptions and archiving ethnic, religious, and indigenous materials. Second, the study emphasizes the importance of collecting and annotating manuscripts from private and public archives to preserve the historical and cultural contexts of these groups. Third, it highlights the need for documenting oral traditions, including those of the Yārsān, through oral history and ethnographic methods to capture their lived experiences and cultural heritage. Through these comprehensive methodologies, the research demonstrates how diversifying the holdings of local libraries can provide a pathway to amplify ethno-religious minority voices within libraries and archives. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to the creation of more inclusive and representative scholarly collections that respect and uphold the diversity of cultural expressions and historical narratives.