Things archivists should be taking a look at
You’ve probably seen it elsewhere, but since the deadline has been extended, please go and take a look at the blog (natch) set up to support a submission to the SAA Council “requesting appointment of a task force to explore the desirability and feasibility of accreditation of archival education programs.” If you are interested in signing on or adding your feedback, you have until August 4, so don’t procrastinate. This issue has come up a few times on this blog and countless times in the discussions on the listserv. Kudos to Christine and everyone else involved for getting something organized and taking action!
Russell James’ name should be familiar to regular blog readers, SAA members, and A&A listserv subscribers. Now in addition to being a Mover & Shaker in Archives, he’s joined the ranks of the bloggers. You can read his thoughts at Records Junkie.
The Accidental Archivist noted that:
As you may know, there was a big controversy about a year ago when LAC [Library and Archives Canada] cut back on reading room hours (including limiting the evenings) in September 2007. Many researchers, including historians, were angry since many make trips to Ottawa to do research and seek to make the most of their visit by logging as much time as they can in the reading room. LAC officials stated that funds were being moved to some sort of digital archive effort. This explanation was not viewed as satisfactory by many and thus, the Public Consultations and Services Advisory Board was formed.
So much for the background. Earlier this month, LAC published a DISCUSSION PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SERVICE STRATEGY BY LAC SERVICES BRANCH to provide a frame for public comments.
The AA has some views on the discussion paper, but I thought some of you might want to take a look for your own information and perhaps even submit comments.
Every post over at hangingtogether.org is worth reading, but if you missed Gunther’s post yesterday, “It’s still: Think Global, Act Local,” you might want to go check it out. Maybe nothing new to some of you, but I thought it was a very nice summary.
I always suspected my readers were a serious group, but 16% of those responding to the movie poll haven’t seen any movies this summer. Sigh. I know we’ve all got a lot of work to do (and blogs to read), but c’mon, get out there and enjoy a summer blockbuster before the chill of autumn is upon us!
Advocacy, Archival profession, Blogs | Kate T. | 
August 1, 2008 8:14 am
3 Comments
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By Archivista, August 1, 2008 @ 3:46 pm
I really appreciate that you take the time to point us to these other links. You usually post at least one thing that I’ve missed.
By Russell D. James, CA, August 2, 2008 @ 4:52 pm
I have to take another side on the hours thing at the LAC. If there are few patrons coming in at those times to do research, then saving money is a good thing for archives to do. Sure, staff will decrease and research time decreases, but that leaves more money (provided funding is forthcoming and constant or increasing) for other things like special projects, description, and purchase of collections important to Canada. Although as a researcher I enjoy an archives open when I want it to be, NARA did a similar thing and though it was unpopular at the time, reseachers have adjusted. I predict they will also adapt at LAC.
By Elizabeth Keathley, August 4, 2008 @ 10:09 am
Wow. Thanks for the tip off on the education post at the SAA blog. I’m really excited to see people moving the discussion up to the next level.