That's not really my idea of a debate
on the subject, if that's what you are saying is needed.
I believe the situation is more complex
than it all simply being the fault of the 'archive schools.' I don't
know if finding someone to blame is really the answer here, although of
course that seems to be what society in general is finding solace in at
present in trying to come to terms with the public finances.
I understand the ARA are hoping to take
this forward in a constructive manner that aids new graduates, with discussion
of their needs.
It was never my intention to tell anyone
to "stop moaning", and that phrase was never used by me. Some
people did seem to me to have unrealistic expectations following straight
upon graduation. I hoped to give useful feedback on that and be as
encouraging as possible in telling people to keep trying and not give up,
as I did not receive the job I really wanted for some years either, but
that the end result was worth it. I wouldn't want people giving up
on their hard-earned degrees or for the profession to lose their potential
because of current circumstances.
In the short term, I would urge people
to attend their local ARA meetings if they want to have a talk about these
issues, get advice, get themselves known and learn about possible work
experience and job opportunities. And get a bit of tea and sympathy
into the bargain.
Steven Davies
Archivist / Archifydd
Flintshire Record Office / Archifdy Sir y Fflint
Tel./Ffôn: (01244) 532414
For the past month we have had various emails regarding
the current job market. Some people have said they are tired of the 'jobs
debate'. This puzzles me as I have seen no debate. All I have read is competing
tales of woe along the lines of 'Help I am drowning in debt and I can't
get a job' which has been answered with 'Stop complaining I found it difficult
even in the supposed good times'.
There has been very little attention given to reasons why the job market
might be more difficult, who is responsible and what can be done about
it. On the 13th of September Henry Sullivan wrote
"When these two sets of figures are combined (see below) they give
us a picture of declining jobs but more and more qualified graduates.
2004: Graduates; 73 / First Post Qualification Posts Advertised; 139
2005: Graduates; 74 / First Post Qualification Posts Advertised; 118
2006: Graduates; 102 / First Post Qualification Posts Advertised; 105
2007: Graduates; 129 / First Post Qualification Posts Advertised; 83
2008: Graduates; 122 / First Post Qualification Posts Advertised; 101
2009: Graduates; 165 / First Post Qualification Posts Advertised; 51
To put it boldly in 2004 there were nearly 2 jobs for each graduate, in
2009 there were over three graduates for each job."
From these figures it is clear to me that the reason why the job market
is so difficult is because the archive schools have not been acting in
the professional interest and have been flooding the market with more qualified
archivists than can be sustained.
So what is to be done? I propose a complete moratorium on recruitment of
students to the archive schools for the academic year 11/12. If the archive
schools refuse to recognise that they are part of a professional community
and can not or will not act in the professional interest then I say disaccredit
all archive school programmes. ARA should again take responsibility for
awarding professional qualifications and only award qualifications based
on what the job market can sustain.
Craig Moore
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Deellir na fydd unrhyw safbwyntiau, na chynghorion, na
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nad ydynt yn berthnasol i waith swyddogol
Cyngor Sir y Fflint, yn cael eu cynnig na'u cadarnhau ganddo
nac ar ei ran, ac felly ni fydd Cyngor Sir y Fflint yn derbyn
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