I am sending this to elicit the views of colleagues about the career
opportunities which might be open to an archivist with disabilities.
The background is that we have recently been approached by an undergraduate
who is interested in a career in archives. However in the course of the
interview the student mentioned that they were unable to lift loads of any
size beyond either a small box or a reasonable sized volume. We have agreed
to provide a couple of weeks work experience to enable the person themselves
to consider if they think they would wish to follow a career in archives.
The question on which I would be interested to hear views is whether a
person in this position would find it difficult to further their career once
trained. Times have changed, and I am sure there are many offices where a
lifting problem such as this would not present any difficulties. Others,
however might. It is part of our Personal Specification for successful
applicants for most posts in the office that the appointee is able to lift
and carry. It may be that we should be reconsidering this - we now live in a
time where many archivists can function perfectly satisfactorily without
Latin, which would have been heresy even 20 years ago!
Views please offlist, preferably by email to Bruce Jackson at Lancashire
Record Office ([log in to unmask]). Tel: 01772 263026 or fax
01772 263050
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