Peter asks a fair question, and makes some valid points about PIs. However,
we are trying to shift away from counting what's easy to using the available
data to measure impact and outcomes. Much, much harder - but also so much
more worthwhile!
One of the "need" categories we have identified in our quest for
relevant PIs is one to demonstrate impact - locally and nationally - against
public policy (i.e. Government) initiatives. We all need to justify our
activities, and an ability to demonstrate how we are contributing to the
broader social and economic agenda is very important.
Social Inclusion is a key plank of public policy - so we need to be able to
measure how archives services are helping. Demonstrating changes in user
profile over time may be one way we can do it. Measuring inputs and
outcomes may be another. But this is work in progress, so all contributions
welcome!
Chris Pickford
Freelance Archival Consultant
15 Golding Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3NL
Tel: 01732-456147 or (mobile) 07811-453525
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
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