Apologies for cross posting.

List members might be interested in the following new English Heritage
publication.


Informing the Future of the Past: Guidelines for SMRs
edited by Kate Fernie and Paul Gilman

There are more than one million known 'monuments' scattered across the
landscape of England and information about them is maintained by as many as
a hundred different Sites and Monuments Records (SMRs).

SMRs are the primary source of information on the historic environment in
England. They are fundamental to the conservation and management of the
historic environment through the statutory planning system. They are also an
increasingly valuable resource for education and the public enjoyment and
understanding of the nation's heritage.

The purpose of this manual is to provide a set of working guidelines
appropriate to all SMRs, large and small, and for all staff, volunteers and
students involved in managing, running or supporting an SMR.

An assessment of the condition and state of development of the SMRs
maintained by local authorities in England, carried out by David Baker and
published in 1999, highlighted the achievements and potential for SMRs to
become local environmental management systems and to provide a wide range of
services to the communities they serve and to the planning process. However,
the report also highlighted variations between SMRs in resources, work
practices and standards and identified a need for support for the
professional infrastructure for SMR staff.

This manual offers an overview of the standards, services and systems that
are already in place in SMRs and shares ideas about best working practices
in the SMRs of today. It includes case studies to illustrate recording
practices and model procedures. It is the result of a collaborative
partnership between English Heritage, the Association of Local Government
Archaeology Officers (ALGAO) and Archaeology Data Service (ADS). It is
intended to provide a platform for training and continuous professional
development for SMR staff. Regular consultation with SMR professionals was
a key feature of the project.

Product code: XB20008
ISBN: 1 873592 55 8
Price: £25
Published: November 2000

This is available from:
English Heritage Postal Sales
Knights of Old Ltd
Kettering Parkway
Kettering
Northampton
NN15 6XU
Telephone: 01536 533500