Further to Gareth's message, (and latterly Ron's) I also had similar
concerns after looking through the Mills website. On the one hand it is a
well thought out site and there appears to be a well meaning organisation
behind it. On the other hand, I could see no indication that a professional
archivist was actively involved in the project - either as an integral part
of the project or as a consultant. It may be that there is such involvement
and that the project is a 'good thing' - or it may be something we as
archivists should be concerned about.
On first reading the Collection Policy appears professional - [the] "Mills
Archive Policy reflects that of The Society for the Protection of Ancient
Buildings...The Mills Archive collections policy is based on the Historical
Manuscripts Commission's Standard for Record Repositories. In addition the
physical care of the archive will accord as closely as possible with BS 5454
2000......" - as a statement of intent the Policy reads very well. It is
only when you look for the active professional archive input that it appears
to be lacking - the Group is hoping that someone from the "Archive/Museum
world" will join their Governing Body but to date there does not seem to
have been any such input.
The Group also advertises links with several reputable bodies, such as
English Heritage's National Monuments Record, and the University of Kent.
(Interestingly, the latter does not appear to have employed an Archivist in
the Special Collections at the University Library since the Follett project
was completed some time ago.) However, there appears to be a notable
absence of involvement by bodies who could contribute with practical archive
advice born from tested experience - notably Local Authority Record Offices,
the Business Archives Council and/or the Business Records Group.
The final point has to be that the Mill's Archive Trust may have the best of
intentions but without access to the necessary skills may not succeed in the
long term. Gareth's concerns are very practical and based on real issues
and experience. It is very concerning that a sizable HLF Grant has been
awarded, apparently without the necessity for active professional input and
support being in place from the very beginning of the project. Projects
such as the Mill's Archive Trust deserve better advice and support than
this.
Hopefully Ron and his colleagues at the Mill's Archive will have an
Archivist and a suitable 'home' sooner rather than later.
Teresa Doherty
Archivist, The Wellcome Foundation,
The Wellcome Trust
183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE.
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7611 7340
Mailto:[log in to unmask]
Website: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk
http://library.wellcome.ac.uk
The Wellcome Trust is a registered charity, no. 210183.
Its sole Trustee is The Wellcome Trust Limited, a company
registered in England, no. 2711000, whose registered office
is 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE.
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