This is an information-exchange rather than discussion list, and that
may indicate one of the sources of our invisibility. Is there a
British-based archives discussion list out there; or if not, is there
scope for developing one? Issues like Brian's, or questions like
Elizabeth's ('long in the tooth'?), or even Nick Kingsley's (what
would the "Celebrating Memory" recordings have to say for the history
of being an archivist; the recordings themselves now being in the
British Library?). I was struck, too, by the article on working with
and for young people with learning difficulties in the most recent
issue of ARC, an area which certainly some of us in the charity
sector address as a regular part of our work; but where do we share
this? Where, outside the classroom or at conferences can students
come into regular contact with working professionals, and where can
working professionals on different limbs and branches (or perhaps
even twigs, for some of us) converse with the trunks, roots and
canopy of the profession, enriching us all?
They can be difficult, because they can degenerate into exchanges of
informalities or banalities which irk and lead people to leave,
making them counter-productive. But the potential is also there to
develop resources of information and professional development which
straightforward information-exchange lists aren't designed for. A
kind of Gateway initiative for the profession. Unless it already
exists somewhere?
all the best,
Craig Fees
At 16:34 02/08/2006, you wrote:
>Invisibility of Archivists
>
>I am an MSc student at the University of Glasgow undertaking the
>Information Management and Preservation (Archives and Records
>Management/Digital) course. When deciding upon a topic for my
>dissertation I felt I wanted to research into something that is affecting
>the archival profession. The apparent invisibility of archivists in
>society whether it is in the workplace, the media or the wider public,
>seemed the most obvious choice. My decision to undertake this topic was
>really driven by frustration with the fact that every time I told people
>that I was going to be an archivist, they had no idea what I meant!
>
>Could you possibly fill out this questionnaire and send it back to my
>email address. The findings from this survey will be used for research
>into this topic. I am conducting a similar survey of the general public.
>My dissertation will discuss the role of the archivist, assess what
>society understands about the work of archivists, ask why it is necessary
>that society knows what archivists do. This will enable me to provide
>strategies for making society aware of archivists. Please give as full an
>answer as possible based on your own experiences. Please feel free to
>create more space if necessary. When asked yes or no please delete where
>appropriate.
>
>
>1. What is the role of an archivist?
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>2. Archivists are professionals? Yes or No. Please provide a reason
>for you answer.
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>3. Do you think people in general are aware what an archivist does?
>Yes or No. Please provide a reason/example for your answer.
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>4. Should the public be aware of archivists?
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>5. What suggestions would you make to ensure that the public becomes
>aware of archivists?
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Dr. Craig Fees
Planned Environment Therapy Trust Archive and Study Centre
Church Lane
Toddington
near Cheltenham
Glos. GL54 5DQ
United Kingdom
Phone/fax 01242 620125
Email: [log in to unmask]
http://www.pettarchiv.org.uk
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