I have no problem with the notion of a pre-qualification training period. It is
common in
most professions (Chartered Accountants have continous assessment as guarantee
of their
professional awareness). Further the establishment of certain standards for
archivists/
records managers is essential if the 'profession' is to be taken seriously.
My concern is that pre-qualification has not fully taken into account the
nature of work
within small archive services and records management. I for one am the sole
member of the
records staff with an archive qualification - this makes it difficult to prove
that I have
completed a certain standard of work. I think the scope for professional
development through
training is virtually impossible. There is also the relative difficulty of
obtaining
suitable referees for those working in a less 'mainstream' archive environment.
So. In essence a meaningful form of professional qualification is I think very
desirable if
not essential, however, there is a need for more discussion about aspects of
training and
methods of identifying and evaluating professional standards within the archive
community as
a whole.
Chris Campbell
Records Manager British Council
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