This looks like typical overlapping duplication with other projects, and
dare I saw it empire building. There is a danger that people are going to
feel over consulted by project after project. Is it not time there was some
pooling and analysis of the findings of studies of the last three years, and
use of that as the basis for any further consultation (carefully thought
through and with clear explanations as to why this consultation builds on
previous ones and is not duplication).
A lot of the points made at yesterday's Diversity Conference would also
apply to many other subject areas within archives.
Sean
----- Original Message -----
From: "Carol Dixon" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 4:44 PM
Subject: London Signpost (Archives) Project: Audience Development Programme
Consultation
> The following briefing paper was forwarded on behalf of Tina Sawyer -
> Consultant for the London Signpost (Archives) Project. If you would like
to
> be involved in the consultation process that she is undertaking (outlined
> below), please reply directly to: Tina Sawyer, Consultant, London Signpost
> Project,
> Email: [log in to unmask]; Telephone: 020 8318 4597; Mobile:
07968
> 796730
>
> *****
> BRIEFING FOR THE LONDON SIGNPOST AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
CONSULTATION
>
> Background:
> The London region is fortunate in its rich archival heritage, containing
> about a third of the nation's archives. The AIM25 project
(www.aim25.ac.uk)
> is based at King's College, London and began as a project supported by the
> Research Support Libraries Programme (RSLP) to provide a web-accessible
> database of descriptions of the archives and manuscript collections of the
> principal colleges and schools of the University of London, of other
> universities and colleges in London and the surrounding area bounded by
the
> M25 London orbital motorway, and of some of the royal colleges and
societies
> of medicine and science based in London. The London Signpost project is
an
> initiative to broaden the scope of this project to include a wider range
of
> archive collections within the London region, the ultimate goal being to
> create a database holding fonds-level (collection) descriptions of all
> archival collections in London.
>
> A pilot project, funded by LARC (London Archives Regional Council), was
> carried out between July and November 2003 to undertake additional survey
> work with 35 specialist repositories. This pilot was designed to
> demonstrate the feasibility of using the AIM25 methodology and database
> amongst a range of smaller repositories. We are now at the next stage of
> the project, which is to create a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Heritage
Grant
> bid to allow for the extension of the catalogue to some thirty interested
> parties. King's College and the London Metropolitan Archives are the lead
> partners in the bid and will focus on their areas of expertise in the
> technical and cataloguing aspects of the project. LARC has appointed a
> consultant, Tina Sawyer, to work up the application to HLF and to research
> and write an audience development plan.
>
> Consultation:
> The audience development plan will be based on consultation with
> stakeholders, users and non-users of archives. It will show how, through
a
> programme of events, activities and resources, the project will improve
> access to collections, attract new audiences and promote knowledge and
> understanding of London's rich heritage.
>
> At present, there is a blank sheet of paper and the options are endless
but
> could include:
> * a learning zone on the AIM25 site which could include:
> - a beginners' guide to using archives & advice on making effective
searches
> - information about working as an archivist or conservator; caring for
> documents at home
> - sample activities for different audiences eg: lesson plans for teachers,
> activities for families etc
> * a joint marketing initiative
> * a London Signpost education group
> * a programme of events associated with the project
> * a lecture series based on the collections
> * an education and outreach officer post for three to five years to:
> - run training for archive staff on: writing a policy for learning;
working
> with different audiences, marketing etc
> - assess individual collections for their potential to support learning
> - help to identify and target new audiences
> - facilitate flagship events for archives working in partnership. These
> could be part of national events eg: National Science week, Family
Learning
> Weekend
> - identify common themes within the different repositories and to develop
> partnership projects
> - evaluate the work
> - identify and build partnerships with other related organisations
> - develop materials for the learning zone
> - support joint marketing.
>
> How can you help?
> During January and February 2004, Tina Sawyer will be running a series of
> consultation meetings with stakeholders, network groups and users and
> non-users of archives. If you are interested in attending a consultation
> meeting please email Tina (contact details below). Alternatively, ring
her
> and talk through your ideas.
>
> If you are an archive, you can help if you have:
> * already run successful learning programmes for users
> * tried unsuccessfully to attract new users
> * ideas for working in new ways with your collections but have been unable
> to put them into practice
> * an opinion about learning and the London Signpost project
> * doubts about how this work can benefit you
> * built effective partnerships that have allowed you to work in new ways
and
> that could be models for London Signpost
> * links to a network that has a meeting during January or February that
Tina
> Sawyer could attend.
>
> If you are a user of archives, you can help if you have:
> * links to a network that has a meeting during January or February that
Tina
> Sawyer could attend
> * ideas on what sort of learning resources or activities might be useful
or
> interesting
> * something to tell us about how you use archives and what works for you.
>
> If you do not use archives, you can help by:
> * telling us what do you think are the barriers to using archives
> * talking to us about what sort of activities and resources would
encourage
> you to use archives.
>
> Contact: Tina Sawyer, Consultant, London Signpost Project
> Email: [log in to unmask]
> Telephone: 020 8318 4597
> Mobile: 07968 796730
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