I think that Andrew has highlighted a difficulty in any discussion on the validity of originals. We should be interested in the information and contextual pointers for any document but even we as archivists are enamoured with the idea of "the original document as an artefact". What are we preserving for future researchers? Is it the information or is it the packaging it comes in, although obviously the method of production of the information (Paper, parchment, electronic, etc) will provide important contextual metadata it is not the core evidence.
-----Original Message-----
From: Archivists, conservators and records managers. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Payne, Andrew
Sent: 06 December 2013 13:54
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: The most basic of Friday afternoon questions
I would suggest a simple experiment as follows:
1. Select a suitably impressive document - something that has major local or national historical significance or, if possible, one that would have deep personal resonance for him (even a personal family document). A holograph would be particularly good but it's not essential.
2. Transcribe said document into a suitably boring typeface e.g. Arial 10 point, and print on to A4 paper or display as a Word document on screen (preferably with all the paraphernalia of menus etc)
3. Keep the original out of sight, but in a conveniently located box (maybe with a cover and tied up in archival tape etc to add to the theatre).
4. Invite your sceptical friend in and say you wish to show them a document that you think they will find interesting.
5. Reveal the transcript on screen or paper and discuss the significance of the document with them to engage them with the "information" which the document holds.
6. Once they are suitably engaged, dramatically reveal the original with plenty of theatre to help build their anticipation.
7. Present them with the original, allow them to handle it if possible, and stand back to monitor reaction.
8. If he can genuinely say he is has no response to the original document as an artefact (as opposed to simply a piece of "information") then check his pulse and breathing for signs of human life.
Good luck!
Andrew
Andrew Payne
Head of Education & Outreach
The National Archives
Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5319
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
See our new document bundle about Attlee's Britain www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/topics/attlees-britain.htm
From: Archivists, conservators and records managers. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan
Sent: 06 December 2013 13:02
To: JISCMAIL Archives
Subject: The most basic of Friday afternoon questions
Dear Colleagues
I have utterly failed my profession. Over a rather good bottle of red last Friday night I could not convince a friend of the importance of the original document (even though I have countered this several times for clients). He simply could not see why you could not just have copies and I was unable to find what to him was the killer argument. I thought this was an interesting fact as it perhaps displayed how the general public fail to understand why archives matter whilst all the time benefitting from their presence. My friend is very intelligent and certainly no cultural barbarian. So, I thought I would lay this one before my esteemed colleagues. I also thought that it might provide some of you with useful ideas for when it is your Chief Executive rather than a slightly tipsy chum throwing this one at you.
I look forward to all your comments, which I will then collate and pass on to said friend and see if I can change his mind. All responses welcome both serious and not so serious
With warm regards
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan Msc, MIC, RMARA Consultant Archivist and Director
Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan Associates
01939 234289/ 07719 609894
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