Obstacles and possibilities in archival research: archives as a data source for leisure scholars in lockdown

Abstract

During the 2020/1 coronavirus pandemic, leisure scholars in lockdown have found their research activities restricted to desk-based strategies. In this situation, one possible strategy is the existing data found via archival research, a method that has received limited attention from leisure scholars to date. This paper explains archival research obstacles during a coronavirus induced lockdown whilst also showcasing the possibilities archive collections can offer. During the discussion, the potential that archival research has as an alternative data source for leisure studies becomes evident. This research note aims to showcase this potential and call on leisure scholars to engage with archives as a data source for future studies. It concludes by reflecting on why this engagement is important for leisure scholarship and potentially leisure scholars whose research and careers have been stymied during the ongoing pandemic.