Hi
First, I would like to say the following are my opinions and not the
opinions of my organisation and yes it is Friday!
I attended SEMLAC's Regional Archive Strategy Consultation Meeting at the
River and Rowing Museum in Henley yesterday.
It was an informative meeting and there was a good discussion on the
Archives Task Force Report and SEMLAC Regional Archive Strategy 2004-2007.
There were 4 consultative meetings planned
Thursday 13 May
The Gurkha Museum, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, Winchester, SO23 8TS
1000-1400
Tuesday 18 May
The Achilles Room, Chatham Historic Dockyard, ME4 4TZ
1000-1400
Thursday 20 May
Education Pavilion, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Gardens,
Brighton BN1 1EE
1000-1400
Thursday 27 May
River & Rowing Museum, Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1BF
1000-1400
The Henley meeting was the only viable meeting which went ahead.
Considering this was the case I was really disapppointed at the turn out.
The attendees were: 1 County Archivist, 1 Historic Houses Archivist,
another Archivist working in a museum, the chair of the Hampshire Archives
Trust, 1 digital image professional, 1 Museum professional plus me.
Considering there are 328 organisations that hold archives in the South
East and at least 75 fte Archivists working in the South East. Am I
justified in being a little disappointed?
I consider SEMLAC offer advice, support and inform Archivists in the South
East of both National and Regional issues, they advocate and undertake
research relevant to our domain and they also offer grants. Do other
Archivists in the South East feel the same?
Another concern I have is SEMLAC are undertaking an organisational review.
It is not clear whether the post of Archives Development Officer will
continue. I think this is an essential post for archives. For me it is the
first point of contact if I need SEMLAC's assistance. If you agree please
contact Katie Norgrove who will ensure this opinion is heard.
[log in to unmask] [Katie is undertaking the SEMLAC
Archive Development Officer part time on a consultancy basis]
SEMLAC are a resource for Archivists in the South East if we don't use it
Museums and Libraries will just get a bigger portion of the pie!!!
Caroline Gould
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