Okay chaps, we seem to be doing well here. Firstly I would like to put in
an anonymous contribution I have received:
'Isn't the original vs. copy debate as simple with archives as it is with
everything else in life, the original is the best?
It's like watching a football match live compared to on the television, or
seeing a West End show compared to seeing a video of the a West End show.
Similarly, a fake Louis Vuitton bag is nothing compared to an original,
real, bonafide Vuitton. The original is just better. I realise it's not
a highly scientific solution, but it's the truth!
As a side note, the £20 note vs. a copy of a a £20 note example I think
leads to debates of monetary value and importance which strays from the
debate of original vs. copy slightly'
Secondly, can we come up with more hard-nosed explanations? My friend did
not feel the emotional/cultural value argument was enough if his taxes
were paying for it. Do we have any hard examples of where having the
original truly was important in 'the real world' as opposed to being
culturally interesting, emotionally powerful or useful for academic
research.
I really should get on with some work but I am loving reading all your
responses.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan Msc, MIC, RMARA
Consultant Archivist and Director
Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan Associates
01939 234289/ 07719 609894
[log in to unmask]
On 06/12/2013 14:17, "Meic Pierce Owen" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>And for electronic, the metadata and system logs will do the same...
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Archivists, conservators and records managers.
>[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of GRAHAM Susan
>Sent: 06 December 2013 14:16
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: The most basic of Friday afternoon questions
>
>The original document can provide evidence of authenticity that a copy
>cannot through analysis of things such as inks, materials and
>handwriting styles.
>
>Also, the physical materials and make up of the original are an
>information resource as well. For example, binding materials and
>techniques are the subject of study in themselves.
>Best wishes
>
>Susan Graham
>
>
>--
>The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in
>Scotland, with registration number SC005336.
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Archivists, conservators and records managers.
>[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Oakman Phil
>Sent: 06 December 2013 14:05
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: The most basic of Friday afternoon questions
>
>I think that Andrew has highlighted a difficulty in any discussion on
>the validity of originals. We should be interested in the information
>and contextual pointers for any document but even we as archivists are
>enamoured with the idea of "the original document as an artefact". What
>are we preserving for future researchers? Is it the information or is
>it the packaging it comes in, although obviously the method of
>production of the information (Paper, parchment, electronic, etc) will
>provide important contextual metadata it is not the core evidence.
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Archivists, conservators and records managers.
>[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Payne, Andrew
>Sent: 06 December 2013 13:54
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: The most basic of Friday afternoon questions
>
>I would suggest a simple experiment as follows:
>
>
>1. Select a suitably impressive document - something that has major
>local or national historical significance or, if possible, one that
>would have deep personal resonance for him (even a personal family
>document). A holograph would be particularly good but it's not
>essential.
>
>
>2. Transcribe said document into a suitably boring typeface e.g.
>Arial 10 point, and print on to A4 paper or display as a Word document
>on screen (preferably with all the paraphernalia of menus etc)
>
>
>
>3. Keep the original out of sight, but in a conveniently located box
>(maybe with a cover and tied up in archival tape etc to add to the
>theatre).
>
>
>
>4. Invite your sceptical friend in and say you wish to show them a
>document that you think they will find interesting.
>
>
>
>5. Reveal the transcript on screen or paper and discuss the
>significance of the document with them to engage them with the
>"information" which the document holds.
>
>
>
>6. Once they are suitably engaged, dramatically reveal the original
>with plenty of theatre to help build their anticipation.
>
>
>
>7. Present them with the original, allow them to handle it if
>possible, and stand back to monitor reaction.
>
>
>
>8. If he can genuinely say he is has no response to the original
>document as an artefact (as opposed to simply a piece of "information")
>then check his pulse and breathing for signs of human life.
>
>
>Good luck!
>
>Andrew
>Andrew Payne
>Head of Education & Outreach
>The National Archives
>Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5319
>Email: [log in to unmask]
>Web: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
>See our new document bundle about Attlee's Britain
>www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/topics/attlees-britain.htm
>
>From: Archivists, conservators and records managers.
>[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Elizabeth
>Oxborrow-Cowan
>Sent: 06 December 2013 13:02
>To: JISCMAIL Archives
>Subject: The most basic of Friday afternoon questions
>
>Dear Colleagues
>
>I have utterly failed my profession. Over a rather good bottle of red
>last Friday night I could not convince a friend of the importance of the
>original document (even though I have countered this several times for
>clients). He simply could not see why you could not just have copies
>and I was unable to find what to him was the killer argument. I thought
>this was an interesting fact as it perhaps displayed how the general
>public fail to understand why archives matter whilst all the time
>benefitting from their presence. My friend is very intelligent and
>certainly no cultural barbarian. So, I thought I would lay this one
>before my esteemed colleagues. I also thought that it might provide
>some of you with useful ideas for when it is your Chief Executive rather
>than a slightly tipsy chum throwing this one at you.
>
>I look forward to all your comments, which I will then collate and pass
>on to said friend and see if I can change his mind. All responses
>welcome both serious and not so serious
>
>With warm regards
>
>Elizabeth
>
>Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan Msc, MIC, RMARA Consultant Archivist and
>Director
>
>Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan Associates
>01939 234289/ 07719 609894
>[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
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