Thanks for the clarification Elizabeth. Though, just to be clear, I
never suggested that archivists and records managers had not been
involved in the consultation - not least as I know from personal
experience that this was not to the case. I never had any doubt that
the major representative bodies for our sector(s) would have been
involved. My (passing) comment on the blog was that I was surprised
that there didn't seem to have been more comment or discussion on the
*findings and recommendations* of the review which were published late
last month.
The recommendations, especially the move from a 30 year rule to a 15
year rule would seem to have some pretty major implications for our
professions I was just struck that this hadn't been commented upon.
Mind you, I did also volunteer that it may well have been and that I
simply missed it which is more than likely.
Hope this helps clear up any confusion
Best wishes
Steve
-----Original Message-----
From: Archivists, conservators and records managers.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of E Lomas
Sent: 03 February 2009 21:31
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: 30 Year Review
Following on from comments by Steve and Peter on the 30 Year Review it
should be noted that archivists and records managers were consulted as
part
of the review process. The Society of Archivists made a detailed
response
which can be viewed at:
http://www.30yearrulereview.org.uk/evidence/we-societyofarchivists.pdf
A lot of work went into the final submission and it was highlighted on
the
listserv last year. Whilst Steve has rightly picked up on the IT wording
in Lord
Dacre's report, it is my belief that this highlights the requirement
that
electronic records must be managed from creation onwards if they are to
survive - they cannot wait 30 or even 15 years to be reviewed. This
point
was strongly emphasized to the Reviewing Committee.
So it is up to the full range of professionals to carry on building the
infrastructures to ensure that required records survive. The
accelerating
positive change is an interesting phrase as it captures the terms of the
Acerm
project which was also highlighted to the Committee.
Overall therefore my reading is that the results of the Review are a
success
story for the archive and records management professions. However as
Steve
rightly emphasizes the role of records managers must be continually
explained
and justified as we are yet to reach a position where the professional
services
of the records manager are automatically incorporated into building an
IT
system/records and information service.
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