Dear all,
Here's the promised summary of responses to my question on split storage
(using archival storage areas on two different sites). Apologies for the
length of the message.
Most of the responses, from people who had direct experience of split
storage, were negative. The main problems raised were as follows:
-Time wasting (time taken to collect records from the second site, problems
with organising own time and staff routines)
-Management of second site (staffing, monitoring of storage conditions,
extra time for maintenance work, cleaning)
-Instant access to records at second site demanded by internal departments
-Security threats (at second site and in transit)
-General staff management (rotas, staff meetings)
Interestingly, the two more positive responses I had were from 1) a small
organisation, where staff management wasn't a problem (one p/t archivist)
and there was no public searchroom, and 2) someone with experience of large
US organisations where, I assume, they had the resources to throw at the
problem.
I can provide more detailed information for anyone who needs it.
Thanks again to all who responded. This has been a very useful exercise -
we have a lot more data to go on and we know what issues are likely to come
up.
Anne
Anne Locker
Assistant Archivist
Institution of Electrical Engineers
Tel: +44 (0)20 7344 8407
Fax: +44 (0)20 7344 5395
Email: [log in to unmask]
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