>Not all regions of the Society of Archivists are moribund, >and is perhaps
no surprise that the strongest indications >of life spring from the
periphery of the Society. Both the >Irish and Scottish regions can be viewed
as "tigers"
>with rapidly expanding memberships, keen to push for more >active regions
and, where possible, more opportunity to >tailor the activities to the
specific needs of their >regions.
Further to the friday debate on regional meetings and to Bruce's comments
about the regions on the periphery.
A similar debate has been carried on in the Irish region over the last year.
The members expressed a wish for events that have more relevance to the
Irish Region, many of whom work as the sole archivist within their
organisation and have long journeys to make to each meeting. In response, we
invited members to forward their views at our AGM in March (and had quite a
lively debate) and I also sent out a questionnaire about regional events to
all our members.
If other regional secretaries would like to discuss the questionnaire
results with me, just get in contact with me at the address below. Perhaps
a similar exercise could be carried out in other regions? I'll share some of
the general conclusions from the Irish Region here - strong interest in
topics such as legal issues affecting archivists and legislation, management
of electronic records, web page design, a variety of panel discussions,
visits (within Dublin and beyond the Pale) and finally speakers from
independent career development companies and other professional
acssociations. I think these are all valid areas and indicate a wish on the
part of the Irish Region members to utilise and develop the Region as a
focus for professional development, as well as a social meeting group! Mind
you, there is nothing wrong with the latter!!
Also, the region has in the past organised regional trips to the Scottish
and NW regions and hosted similar return visits - does anyone want to
suggest where the Irish region could visit next??? Or who would be
interested in packing their bags for a regional visit to the Emerald Isle??
Zoe.
Irish Regional Secretary.
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Zoe Smyth, Archivist,
Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation,
Block D,E,F. Abbey Court,
Irish Life Centre,
Lower Abbey Street,
Dublin 1, Republic of Ireland.
Tel: (+353 1) 8049607
Fax: (+353 1) 8049680
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
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