*** Apologies for cross-posting***

Forum for Archives and Records Management Education and Research

CALL FOR PAPERS

Developing the 21^st Century Professional: a learning continuum for archivists and records managers

A two day conference at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth

13-15 June 2006

As we progress through the first decade of the 21^st century, archivists and records managers face new challenges, which impact upon the future place of archives and records in society; this in turn will largely be determined by the thoughts and actions of today’s professionals.   

Frequently intersecting other branches of learning as the reach of archives and records management (ARM) expands to include anthropological, philosophical, political and technological dimensions, the ARM discipline must meet the new millennium with a clear sense of purpose and identity.

This conference aims to explore the possibilities of achieving this objective through the education of new professionals, the creation of a sustainable research culture for ARM, and the provision of opportunities for lifelong learning. 

Tom Nesmith, University of Manitoba and Karen Anderson, Edith Cowan University, W Australia will provide two of the four keynote papers.

The Steering Group for the conference invites submissions of papers on the themes outlined below.  Some suggested topics are listed but are not intended to be comprehensive.

THEME ONE – Defining the Discipline

This theme seeks to investigate how ARM perceives itself as a discipline, to explore the issues that inform its purpose and to discover who and what ultimately shapes the direction of ARM. 

• National and international perspectives
• Imperatives to preserve
• Dichotomy between archives and records management?
• Political initiatives and their impact on archives
• Grass roots activity, such as local archive projects
• Academic perspectives
• Records as a means of control and audit
• Archives as symbols
• Evidence versus cultural value

THEME TWO - Research strategy

The development of national and international research communities may be crucial to the survival of the discipline.  This theme examines the growing significance of research in ARM, and how ARM professionals can develop a research strategy for the short, medium and long term.  

• Why do research?
• Gaps in research
• International projects
• Methodology and practice
• Technological developments
• Is it science?
• The post-modern agenda
• What lessons can we learn from other cultures
• The interface with other disciplines

THEME THREE - Lifelong learning

In the 21^st century, archivists and records managers are becoming increasingly specialised as the expansion of the discipline makes it difficult to be expert in all areas.  However, ARM professionals must be allowed to continue to learn, to be able to fulfil their professional obligations, to enhance their career portfolios and to satisfy personal curiosity.  This theme looks at the need for lifelong learning and the implications for both the learning provider and the practitioner.

• Work-based learning opportunities
• Models of provision
• Career sabbaticals
• Technology showcases
• Communities of practice
• Learning frameworks
• Incentives and practicalities

Papers will be selected for publication in either the Records Management Journal or the Journal of the Society of Archivists.

Contact: Jaqueline Spence

University of Wales, Aberystwyth

Dept of Information Studies

Llanbadarn Fawr

Aberystwyth

SY23 3AS

Tel:        01970 622069

Farmer 2006 Conference

 Call for Papers - Submission Form

Please forward this email to [log in to unmask] after completing the form below,
 with "Farmer abstract submission" as the subject line. Alternatively, please go to http://www.liv.ac.uk/lucas/FARMER/index.htm to download the form in Word format and send as an attachment.

Full papers will be required for peer review when the abstract has been accepted and will be no more than 5,000 words including abstract, keywords and references.

Important dates:

Abstract submission deadline:           Dec 23^rd 2005

Notification of abstract acceptance:  Jan 13^th 2006

Full copy of paper deadline:                Feb 10^th 2006

Confirmation of paper acceptance:    Mar 15^th 2006