29 April 2002

Dear colleague

'London Signpost'

The London Signpost project will provide for access to collection (fonds)
level descriptions, and sub-fonds and major series as necessary, of archives
held in London repositories.  Further to a general discussion with
interested archivists about its scope and purpose, it was agreed to begin to
prepare a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) comparable in approach to
AIM25 www.aim25.ac.uk <http://www.aim25.ac.uk> and the Yorkshire Signpost.
The bid is fully supported by the London Archives Regional Council, which
will be providing some of the matching funding.

Descriptions will be provided (and/or edited) using an ISAD(G) template by a
team of peripatetic archivists.  The input of existing data from
commercially available software is also possible.  Considerable emphasis
will be placed on ensuring that data compiled will be interoperable with a
range of archives initiatives nationally and regionally, including Access to
Archives (A2A), AIM25, and cross-sectoral projects using the Z39.50 and OAI
(Open Archives Initiative) protocols.

Because of the scale of London holdings, this bid is likely to be the first
of several.  At present it is expected that the bids will not be themed by
subject or structured by employment sector of repositories, but HLF guidance
on bid strategy is being sought.

If you wish to join in with the project all you need to do at this stage is
complete the attached questionnaire.  If we are successful you must be
willing to facilitate and oversee the work of a visiting archivist.  In
accordance with HLF rules modest pro rata contributions will be sought from
participants.  In kind contributions will also include access to a PC and a
desk for a visiting archivist for the duration of their work at your
repository.

The completed questionnaire should be returned by 22 May 2002 to:
Rachel Kemsley
Email:  [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Mail:   College Archives
King's College London
Strand
London  WC2R 2LS

For further information or queries please contact Rachel Kemsley or:
Patricia Methven
Email: [log in to unmask]
Mail:   Director of Archive Services
College Archives
King's College London
Strand
London  WC2R 2LS
Tel:    020-7848-2187



 <<LS-qu.doc>>
________________________________________________________________________
Dr. Roiyah Saltus-Blackwood
Project Researcher

The Casbah Project, (Caribbean Studies, Black and Asian History)
The Institute of Commonwealth Studies
28 Russell Square
London
WC1B 5DS

Email: [log in to unmask]
Telephone: 0207 862 8816
Web-page: http://www.casbah.ac.uk
Listserve:[log in to unmask]