Bedford BC Not Protectively Marked.


I'm glad to say that since we introduced the charge for camera use (film
and digital) researchers have been very understanding and not angry
about it. The same cannot be said for when we tell researchers how much
we charge for photocopying or for making digital images for them.

 

As someone working for an ex-county council archive that is now shared
by three unitary councils (which each have different politics and
structures) I doubt we can ever look forward to a consensus between
local government archives because each local authority is different, the
thing they agree on at the moment is having to save money.

 

Pamela Birch 
Conservator/Premises & Projects Officer 

Bedfordshire & Luton Archives & Records Service
800 years of history, 100 years of service. Centenary 2013. Help us
celebrate www.bedford.gov.uk/archivecentenary
<http://www.bedford.gov.uk/archivecentenary> 

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Tel: 01234 228908 (direct line) 01234 228833 (main office)
www.bedfordshire.gov.uk/archive Twitter @BedsArchives

 

________________________________

From: Archivists, conservators and records managers.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Debbie Usher
Sent: 29 May 2013 15:22
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: From the Guardian: The cost of historical research: why
archives need to move with the times

 

Dear All,

 

Should Archives charge researchers for using their own digital camera to
make copies?

 

As the owner of the records an institution does have the right to levy a
fee. Digital photography also has the consequence of more material being
requested - so there is more work in getting material out. For some
Archives there is also the potential loss of income from photocopying in
a context of declining budgets.

 

However there is still the question of should a fee be charged?

 

With digital photography the researcher undertakes the labour of the
copying and there is no material cost to the Archive. So on what basis
should we charge?

 

Digital photography may lead to more work in getting more material out
of the Archive. However that is surely offset by not having to carry out
the work of photocopying? Also are there savings for the Archive in less
conservation work (as there is less physical damage to documents being
photographed as compared to photocopied)? Also the Archive is there to
be used. Every box requested is confirming the worth of the Archive and
usage can provide protection for an institution.

 

What about the potential loss of income? 

 

Every institution has to come to their own decision about how they
manage income generation. The County Council Archives in particular are
under a lot of pressure and have had in many cases very significant
budget cuts.

 

But there is the question of is this a good way to raise income?

 

Firstly, free digital photography has a very significant impact on
research. It helps to remove some financial barriers to research and can
lead to a deepening of research, as it can enable researchers to consult
and consider more archival material. So charging a fee may/will hinder
this benefit. 

 

Secondly, there is the negative reaction of researchers. For researchers
there is a natural justice issue here, in which they ask why am I being
charged when I'm using my own camera and there is no cost to the
Archive? There is also an impact on staff who have to deal with angry
researchers and justify the policy to them. 

 

It is much better to have researchers who feel supported in their
research and are positive about the Archive. Goodwill can lead to all
sorts of benefits - recommendations for new accessions, support for
funding applications and even private financial giving. Who is it that
will defend an institution from budget cuts? Hopefully the researchers
who value the Archive's service.

 

As the UK archival community is so diverse, with many different types of
organisations and funding structures, I think it is unlikely that a
national consensus will emerge on copying charges - as such charges will
vary by institutional needs and also what the market will bear. It may
be that a consensus will emerge for County Council Archives. 

 

Debbie.

 

Debbie Usher, Archivist RMARA
Middle East Centre Archive
St Antony's College
Oxford OX26JF
UK
tel. +44 1865 284706
tel. UK 01865 284706
email: [log in to unmask]
web: http://www.sant.ox.ac.uk/mec/meca.shtml

 

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