Dear all,
While we're on how others perceive us, how about this as an
example of how one archivist is perceived by his own organisation.
My current, externally-funded, contract comes to an end on May
31st. The University of Sheffield will not make any funds available
to support the continuation of the post beyond then, effectively
mothballing collections unique to HE institutions in England. After
ten year's hard work at the University, you will understand that I am
very concerned about what will happen to the collections once I
leave, and I have felt professionally obliged to inform as many
depositors (or next of kin/trustees) as possible of the situation that
will exist once I leave. In my letter to these people I have pointed
out that there will no longer be any professional custodial presence
to oversee the long-term preservation and use of the collections,
introducing not only the risk of physical damage to archive items
through inappropriate handling, but also physical and intellectual
theft as a result of potentially unsupervised access. I have
suggested they might like to write to the Vice-Chancellor and Head
of Department for clarification and assurances regarding the future
care of their collections. I have also written to the Vice-Chancellor
and Head of Department, enclosing a list of names and addresses
of people who may wish to know why the University is not
honouring the faith they have placed in it by depositing their
collections with the institution.
I have today received an email from my Head of Department,
requesting a copy of the letter I originally wrote to the depositors.
He wishes to forward this to Personnel, as he tells me my actions
may constitute a disciplinary offence.
I feel I have acted in a right and proper (and professionally ethical)
manner. I have told no untruths in the letters I have written, but
merely presented the bare facts of the situation. My Head quite
clearly does not (or will not) recognise this. Thanks for your
support!
I am shocked by this response from my own employer, and am still
shaking with anger - apologies for the length of this missive!
If this disciplinary action is taken further, how do things stand with
regard to my receiving support from the Society of Archivists? Is
this possible? Has this sort of situation arisen before?
Thanks (if you're still with me!)
Robin
Robin Wiltshire
Archivist
National Centre for English Cultural Tradition
University of Sheffield
9 Shearwood Road
Sheffield S10 2TD
Phone: 0114 2220195
|