For Immediate Release
Contact: Emma Wright
020 7273 1459
Resource Launches Action Plan for UK Archives
London, 7 September 2001 -- Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives
and Libraries has launched its archives strategy, Developing the 21st
Century Archive - An Action Plan for United Kingdom Archives.
Neville Mackay, Chief Executive of Resource launched the archives Action
Plan at the Society of Archivists conference in Aberystwyth. Speaking
to an audience of over 250 archivists, conservators, records managers
and key players in the archives domain he underlined Resource's
recognition of the key part that archives play in the emerging cultural
landscape. Following wide consultation, Resource's Action Plan
identifies key action lines that will enable archives to begin to
develop on equal terms with museums and libraries, to enable them to
realise their full potential, to contribute to key Government agendas,
and to enrich the lives of a wide variety of users.
Neville Mackay, said: "I would like to thank all those who have helped
us to shape this plan, both from the archives domain, and the wider
cultural sector. It represents a commitment to shared strategic
development through vision and partnership. The actions outlined in the
strategy represent a practical way forward. There remains much to be
done and Resource looks forward to working with other key players and
practitioners to identify and define future needs and achieve our shared
aims."
The Action Plan sets out Resource's agenda for archives, drawing
together the commitments and tasks of importance to archives, reflecting
and addressing those issues which archive professionals and users have
said are their main concerns. Resource aims to raise the profile of
archives with users and government, through a User Needs Assessment
Review. Resource will also examine the role archives can play in
learning and access, and commission work focusing on the training,
career development and skills required by archive professionals.
Justin Frost, Resource's Archives Policy Adviser, commented: "Archives
are a treasure house for the nation. They make a major contribution to
creativity, lifelong learning and national life. Our archives action
plan presents a challenging and stimulating opportunity to enhance these
key roles, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the UK
archives domain in the coming months to implement our plans."
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Notes to editors:
To interview Neville Mackay or Justin Frost, please contact Emma Wright,
Resource Media and Events Manager, on 020 7273 1459 or email on
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Developing the 21st Century Archive - An Action Plan for United Kingdom
Archives is available on the Resource website at www.resource.gov.uk or
a hard copy can be obtained from Nick Morton on 020 7273 1458 or email
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Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries is a strategic
agency working with and on behalf of museums, archives and libraries.
It replaced the Museums & Galleries Commission and the Library &
Information Commission in April 2000.
Resource has three main objectives, to provide strategy, advocacy and
advice. The organisation undertakes work in all three of these areas to
improve the context in which museums, archives and libraries operate and
to improve services for users and potential users. The Resource website
can be viewed at http://www.resource.gov.uk.
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