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Our collection methods have been varied thus ensuring a plethora of different responses. First, we ran a workshop with students of UCL East in which we asked them about what community means to them and if they feel a part of one on campus. We also asked more general questions about what they would improve about Marshgate and what they like about it. Another collection method has been the oral histories conducted by Charo, Ning and Anna. We received Oral History training with Anna Fineman and Vicky Price. This prepared us adequately for this collection process. We have conducted interviews with students, academic staff and people who live in the surrounding area. These more in-depth interviews allow for a more detailed exploration into what it's like to belong at UCL East and the relationship between Marshgate, Bloomsbury and the surrounding neighbourhoods. We have also created two films to go in the exhibition to increase accessibility and increase engagement. Furthermore, we also received training in film and photography from Anna Maguire and a session with Special Collections in Bloomsbury from Colin Penman. These sessions equipped us with the skills and knowledge to create this informal archive.

 

We have been conscious to incorporate multiple opportunities for reflection throughout the project. For example, after each interview both the interviewee and interviewer fill out reflection forms. This feedback and evaluation from both parties is important for engaging critically with what we are doing. It means we do not become complacent about our activities and are not just mindful of the source collection output but also the process. This is also beneficial to our relationships with the interviewees.  We incorporated this practice after the workshop and after our end of term showcase. Therefore, we have made sure to center reflection and introspection.  

We want to share our collection in the form of this online exhibition to fit within the UCL East ethos of being outward-looking, collaborative and open to the community. We hope to reach the current UCL East community (staff and students), many of whom have contributed to our project, and the future one!

 

In true Time Capsule style, we are creating an archive which will prove a useful and varied resource which captures as many experiences as possible for researchers to analyse and reflect on in the future. We want to memorialise the different voices of our current day and hope that these voices will be listened to and used in work to come!