This has been a really interesting discussion. The following are my own opinions and also a reply on behalf of Pat Whatley, the Centre’s Director who is away on a research related visit to the University of Groningen, in collaboration with Universities in Spain and Denmark.
I think as Jenny suggests that it is important to look at ways in which we can encourage more and different groups into archives. Providing different levels and styles of education and training is one way of doing this. As has been discussed, several opportunities are already available but more can obviously be done. It has been useful to read everyone’s opinions on the subject. This, and opportunities for funding, is certainly something that both FARMER and the Society should be (and are) looking at.
As Margaret commented most employers look for a Masters qualification and, as these are accredited by the Society, can be sure that graduates have received education of an appropriate professional standard. I think that we would all agree that it is an important part of these postgraduate courses that students are exposed and become confident in operating in a professional environment, both at national and international level. At this point I would argue that distance learning courses, certainly those that follow the model at Dundee, are perfectly qualified to do this. As students are active in a relevant professional environment during their studies they graduate with extensive experience during which they have the opportunities to build professional networks with their colleagues. The interactive nature of the programmes also means that they are constantly in touch with each other and their tutors, forming strong professional ties. In addition each student has a mentor who they regularly meet face to face and who is a records / archives professional. Students, mentors and tutors come from all sectors (and different countries) and encounter each other over a range of modules. Their professional networks develop in a particularly healthy way as they come into contact with each other and each other's colleagues.
This debate is particularly timely as the Society is currently reviewing its strategic plan and objectives. I believe that information about this is being circulated to the regions at present and would encourage all members to comment if they wish.
Regards
Caroline
Caroline Brown
Programme Leader
MLitt Archives and Records Management
Centre for Archive and Information Studies
University of Dundee
DD1 4HN
01382 388773
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www.dundee.ac.uk/armms/cais
CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR PAPERS:
ICA/SUV Annual Conference 13-17 August 2007, University of Dundee
Archives, Records and the User: The Changing Nature of University and Scientific Archives in the 21st Century.
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/archives/SUV2007/
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