 |
 |
| 1 |
Local History
Librarian |
| 2 |
public officers do
not see records important only when there is crisis - they do
not perceive that records underpin what they do until a record
is urgently needed!!
Worked in Archives and Records unit
as a records officer |
| 3 |
The real problem
that I see in how society perceives records and archives is
that we, the professionals, tend to talk among ourselves while
the general public rely on sensationalised newspaper stories
which usually miss the point.
I am a consultant in
records and archives, I have been a student in records &
archives, I also am a researcher, an amateur historian and a
genealogist. Records and archives are not only my profession
but my passion. |
| 4 |
Having worked as
an Archivist for nearly three years I have lost count of the
amount of times that I have had to explain what an Archivist
does.
I have tried to educate the people around me but it
has surprised me how many 'professional' people such as
Lawyers, PR people, engineers etc, that I've met are ignorant
of what an Archivist does.
Much more high level exposure
seems to be needed. |
| 5 |
Profession/work
experience:
I have worked in a number of federal
government agencies over the past 25 years. I have been
working in the National Archvies of Australia for the past
three years. I have completed university qualifications in law
and in accounting. |
| 6 |
It is up to the
profession to change the perceptions society has of it, not
the other way round. Archivists 'on the ground' tend to be
very conscious of the needs of their users, and respond to
them, generating healthy perceptions of the profession.
However, the profession must be seen NOT to differentiate
between its researchers - genealogists are no less worthy of
the archivists' attention and care than the 'serious'
academics. It is this sort of snobbery which gives society the
wrong impression. |
| 7 |
Many people in
positions of power & influence are aware of the power of
the accountability provided by good recordkeeping regimes but
contrive avoidance - some in very practiced ways. Good
recordkeeping can be very threatening to CEOs (govt & non
govt) & their legal advisors - much better to
pretend/preach compliance while having the safety of being
able to blame a failing system or inadequate practices or
junior staff. Recodkeeping compliance regimes are founded on
an inherent set of ethical standards which we presume are
agreed in a democratic society but which in fact are not
universally shared often in correlation to rise in position in
the food chain.
#11 Note - professional experience is
as a holistic recordkeeping professional (cannot be
pigeonholed as Archivist or Records Manager or even Business
Analyst which is equally relevant) |
| 8 |
I think a lost of
the things which affect public perceptions are negative -
'dusty archives', 'found lost in archives', spinsters and
cardigans. I am concerned that there is too much government
pressure to exploit and increase access to evryone without
thinking cleraly about needs of preservation and intellectual
control. I think it is ridculous to be always trying to send
everyone to rare fragile original sources when a decent text
book, possibly containing extracts, would actually give
students and all but most deeply involved researchers a much
better picture of the history they are interested in
For below, question 11, I have worked equally as an
archivist and a historian. Most of my paid career has been as
an archivist but I have been moving more and more to the
historical side - DAA 1979, PhD 1990 |
| 9 |
Didn't find this
survey form entirely satisfactory for UK context. The concept
of "most people" is quite tricky, because the overall level of
awareness and interest is pretty low. I suppose I've answered
on behalf of those who are aware - rather than "most people"
in the round.
Here there has been quite a lot of
progress in recent years in raising the profile of archives,
and a National Archives Awareness month is planned for next
year. So I've tried to give credit for this in my responses.
However, the professional associations (notably our UK Society
of Archivists) has been lamentably inert and inward-looking
|
| 10 |
Re #11 I am an
archivist and records manager. |
| 11 |
Apologies for
being negative but I think you need to address much more
clearly who you mean by most people. Most people are not
attorneys, they are bus drivers, shop assistants and waiters.
With this in mind I find that I'm not sure whether I agree
with your questions or not. The groups mentioned (journalists,
lobbyists, auditors etc) are well-educated professionals with
a fairly good understanding of the importance of records in
their own daily work (even if they don't necessarily use
historical archives). With reference to ENRON they understood
the importance of records well-enough to destroy the
incriminating ones - it's respect that was lacking. "Most
people" ie the general population [in the UK at least] leave
school at age 16 or 18 years old, never read a book and have
little interest in the issues we deal with. They perceive they
have very little need or use for Archives and this survey
doesn't seem to address them either. Are we really only aiming
at the elite?
Having raised all of that, it is
defintely a good idea to present something to the ICA - well
done for taking the initiative. |
| 12 |
Overall the
archives 'lobby' is poor. We are beginning to witness some
modicum of government nodding its head toward the need to
integrate good record keeping practices into new agendas
(e.g., e-government and FOI implementations). However we are
still largely at the rhetoric stage. Resources are not
allocated in a meaningful way to enable appropriate
implementation and in many institutions a culture of record
keeping is lacking. There remains an over emphasis on archives
as cultural institutions, to the detriment of them fulfilling
a records management function as well. Few recognise that an
absence of good records management (particularly as
organisations move closer to their desire to operate in an
electronic environment) runs a risk of creating a gap in the
historical records as few modern records are captured and kept
well. This has important implications for human rights and the
rule of law over time. |
| 13 |
The record is a
product and a part of their everyday business which they have
until recently taken for granted or not taken notice of at
all. This is now changing in a big way. |
| 14 |
Archivist/Records
Manager/Head of |Service |
| 15 |
Archive and
Records services barely register on society's consciousness.
In order to get the message across to 'society in general'
('most people') what is needed is a figure who the general
public relate to and immediately understand (a Diana or a
Beckham.) Different marketing and communications approaches
would be required for various different interest groups
(lawyers, journalists etc.) The profession appears to place
little or no value on the importance of this type of work and,
without a heavy investment in marketing and communicating, it
will never get its message across to 'society in general.'
|
| 16 |
Left off the list
of those who can help change perception of archives and
records management are the IT Professionals who work so
closely now with records managers and archivists.I am a
Business Analyst in an IT Department. My prior role with that
of Records Manager at another local government municipality.
|
| 17 |
Pay for the
archives profession is pathetic. Better pay, better calibre of
person coming in. |
| 18 |
Q11 Archive
Assistant and IT professional |
| 19 |
7. The media
generally who use archives in their productions(i.e. TV
programmes) could do more to promote the value and use of
archives.
9. Most organisations have a limited
appreciation of archives, i.e. deeds in solicitors offices or
busuiness records. They see them as fulfilling a limited
purpose for their own or their clients immeduiate needs with
no long term value or potential interest to anyone else. As a
result many of these records are simply thrown away when they
have finished with them because they do not think that they of
any value to anyone.
|
| 20 |
9. I think that
elected public officials rightly see archives as potential
sources of embarrassment for them and not as something they
need to support in any meanful way which would strengthen
programs. Sad but true, in my opinion. |
| 21 |
RIM, within the
private sector, is still very much considered a "necessary
evil".
Society as a whole does not understand A&RM,
other than "... oh, like a librarian." |
| 22 |
Archivist and
Records Managers as well as their professional organizations
needs to do much more to explain and promote our functions to
the general population. Most of the general population don't
know and don't care about records. When somthing like Enron
happens, there is no understanding of what is right or wrong
as it relates to proper records handling procedures and
policies. |
| 23 |
In spite of
considerable rhetoric around information being an asset and
knowledge management, there do not seem to be many examples of
how to manage this asset. Further, the emphasis on service
delivery and minimizing costs (maximizing ROI) often means
that implementation of any Info Management rarely gets beyond
the planning stages, as consultants and service deliverers are
focussed on completing the transaction.
Society also
seems to be easily confused by the "privacy" issue. Everyone
wants all the information they want immediately available, so
long as it isn't anything about them. |
| 24 |
People don't value
archives until they have a personal need. Then they assume
everything they need will magically appear (probably covered
with dust). They don't understand that to have records from
the past, someone put resources into gathering them when they
were current. |
| 25 |
Elected officials
generally do not have records management as a priority (if
they even know what it is). Elected officials usually will
takle the issues that will make them look good to the general
public, which has little to no knowledge about records keeping
practises. |
| 26 |
Management
Consultants
Heads of Business Schools
Associations
like ARMA International, AIIM, CompTIA and COMDEX
Chief
Executive Officers
Chief Financial Officers
|
| 27 |
Most people do not
think of archives and records centers as having an impact on
their lives at all. There is very little appreciation of the
differences between archives and libraries and new users of
archival collections are freuqently frustrated with the need
to do some "work" to find the information they are seeking.
Heads of government at all levels have very little
understanding of or regard for archives and their custodians.
They look upon the positions of govt. archivists as part of
the spoils system. Heads of government archival agencies are
often fired summarily for political reasons--and may be hired
dor appointed for the same reasons.
We need to do much
more to advertise the value of archives and records.
Fortunately, we've become an "information economy" and that
will help. But the IT world has adopted many "archival" terms
that are put to different use. "Archiving" electronic records
means simply taking them off-line. It has nothing to do with
either long term preservation or access. THis is confusing to
many government workers who think their records are being
preserved because they have been "archived." |
| 28 |
Many places I have
worked are just unaware of what exactly archives and records
centers are and how they work. Much more general education is
needed for the public.
In general related to this
survey - the questions are not presented very clearly. I felt
slightly confused while answering most of the questions - the
answer choices didn't seem to fit with the questions.
|
| 29 |
Archivist and
Records Manager |
| 30 |
Records Clerk
|
| 31 |
Creating and
working with the records makes these people very aware of the
value of archives and records management programs.
|
| 32 |
I have already
sent in a survey. I want to expand on my comments earlier.
Historical and Geneological Societies do not have their
priorities in order. There is too much fighting over
ownerships of records while the conditions in which their
records are (more often than not) less than desirable, putting
records at risk. These organizations need to learn to work
together and stop fighting among themselves. |
| 33 |
In general, I feel
society as a whole has no idea what we do. Even the people
responsible for creating the records have no concept of ARM
work, except when they need something desperately. We are a
profession off the radar screen on the whole, and we as a
profession do little to change that on a wide scale (though we
do it every day with our patrons). I think the growing
interest in history (e.g. The History Channel and Antiques
RoadShow) presents an opportunity for us to get the word out
more than we have. |
| 34 |
Elected public
officials place even less value on the historical importance
of records than the general public. Many believe that records
of their performance in office should be destroyed as soon as
they leave office (if not before). |
| 35 |
I think that one
of the biggest problems of how society views archivists and
records managers is that they have no idea what we do. When
most people ask what I do for a living, and I reply that I am
an archivist, they reply "What is that?" Even some of those
outside of the profession that do know what we do have a
flawed or incomplete sense of the profession. And lately with
recent US court cases, the only view people get is a negative
one. I think that until society has a better understand of the
profession, what we do and can do for individuals and society
as a whole, it is difficult to even judge society's opinions,
i.e. since many don't even know we exist or understand what we
do they just have know opinion on our place in society.
|
| 36 |
Public officials
generally consider records and archives activities as and
expense rather than an asset. |
| 37 |
#8 High School
Students
#9 May see archives and records centers as a
dumping ground for the items they no longer want.
|
| 38 |
Records are
created for use, not for saving for posterity, which is the
calling of an archives. |
| 39 |
9: With all groups
our users tend to perceive us only in relation to their exact
needs - we bear the burder of publicizing our breadth to
increase understanding, support and use. |
| 40 |
#9 In both public
sector and private sector orgs, most line managers and workers
don't necessarily perceive record-keeping negatively, but
consider it extra work. |
| 41 |
Archives and
records management are usually put on the back burner and
dealt with only on a When-I-Have-No-Other-Choice basis. They
are forgotten and ignored most of the time because no one
understands their purpose. And when they are not being
ignored, it usually because something someone wanted to get
rid of is discovered in an archives or records storage area.
And the debates begin, why should be keep all this stuff,
etc... And nothing is ever decided.
Q11. Archives
Assistant/Library Assistant |
| 42 |
Some
organizational leaders see records management/archiving as a
thorn in their side. An activity they must engage in, or else.
|
| 43 |
#7 need to try to
reach opinion makers
#8 Same as 7
#9 people involved
in record making & keeping seldom seem to see themselves
as others see us |
| 44 |
There is a general
lack of interest in history and a poor undertsanding of how
archived information can support new institutional and/or
societal initiatives. |
| 45 |
I think
individuals working outside of public record organisations
have improved by communicating verbally and in writing the use
and need of public records and archives. However I think an
even clearer link should be made in the media particularly.
This can only happenif journalists are giveninformation, or
are able and interested in finding what the sources of
information were which in turn requires that they assume the
public is interested. It should be assumed the public is
interested.
Individuals working in archives and public
record bodies need to make better use of the media and need to
ensure that the public knows what is available through public
archives as well as through private ones. Talking to other
specialists is fine, but they need to put some of this
information in plain language for everyone else. |
| 46 |
Re #9: I believe
that agency heads, public officials, etc. view archives as
more of a necessary evil, an annoyance, something that takes
their time with no perceivable benefit, and a possible outlet
for negative news about their activities. Not good.
|
| 47 |
If we did more to
connect with the real needs of records creators and users--
rather than passively supporting the traditional cultural role
of archives-- we could demonstrate our relevance to society as
a whole. The contributions of archives to human welfare are
sometimes transparent to its beneficiaries. American value
their freedom, but how many of them point to the role of
records in establishing and maintaining their right to it?
|
| 48 |
The general public
doesn't realize that there are guidelines to follow with
archiving information. They don't think about the system until
they need it. |
| 49 |
Many are
threatened by accountability issues. |
| 50 |
Library director.
Library houses printed and manuscript materials re a state's
history, literature, and culture. Southeastern U.S.
|
| 51 |
Business
Strategist/Information Architect |
| 52 |
Many times, the
best way for most to gain a greater unstanding of the
profession is to go through a costly loss or disaster.
Of
course, the best way would be to learn from others mistakes,
which in recent years, we have seen many. Also, as a picture
is worth a thousand words, many of these groups should be
involved in tours of records center and reviews or situations
where the professionals in the field of records and
information have save the day ($). W.M. Jones, UM-RM Missouri.
Thank you, and good day. |
| 53 |
Others--Librarian
|
| 54 |
Records and
information archives are a specialist area, of little interest
to the public generally, until their on needs to use them
arise. Its just not prime time TV viewing!!!
Ken
|
| 55 |
I see very little
if any consideration of creative archives or other cultural
records.
Re. Question 9 I think that many elected
officials, etc. often see records managers and archivists as
the "enemy" who hold records which they would prefer to have
destroyed or kept from ever being made public.
Re.
question 11: Librarian |
| 56 |
More education
needed for general public re: what is records management &
that archives are more than places where people search for
family tree information |
| 57 |
Your average Joe
takes records for granted and has no conciousness about them.
|
| 58 |
RM and Archives
workers know how their work supports the work of journalists,
lawyers and legislators yet for some strange reason these
specific groups are loath to acknowledge this support. Their
collective lack of support is more than frustrating, it is
unconscionable. |
| 59 |
Archivists do not
know how to relate the importance of holdings and potential
holdings to the needs of the public at large and to the
specific needs of government. Archivists are passive receivers
of records and are frightened by any technological change that
they do not understand and can't cope with.
The
electronic world is not only here to stay, but can be managed
and controlled to ecnomic advantage for all Archives.
What archivists should be doing is pitching their
services to the care, preservation and access of records most
needed by government and the public today. |
| 60 |
Quite frankly I
believe a statement that I overheard while a page at an
archives sums it up quite nicely. The individual looked around
and stated "God, what are they keeping all of this old stuff
for ! ?" For the last twenty years or so most people have had
a right this second mentality towards most things. Hence the
problem of preparing for the future and or saving the past.
|
| 61 |
Basically, records
managers and archivists have no concept of how to get their
message across to ordinary people. We are too busy in our
ivory towers talking to a minority of record creators to
bother trying to get our message across to the man in the
street. When ordinary people understand, appreciate and
support our role, we will not need to suck up to
reluctant/indifferent/hostile records creators/destroyers for
support/funding/respect |
| 62 |
This survey and
other discussions (and handwringing) about public perceptions
of archives are inevitably flawed because of one fundamental
variable--what is the "correct" amount of public support and
understanding of archives against which we should be
measuring? Those in our profession who believe that archivists
should be respected (and paid) on par with lawyers will answer
this survey quite differently from those of us who believe
that all we have a reasonable right to expect is to be
respected and understood (and paid) roughly as well as
librarians and public school teachers. |
| 63 |
I found your
questions confusing to answer. Most of my responses are
guesses since I really don't KNOW what historians, attorneys,
educators, public officials, dept heads, etc. think about
archives.
My impression from the media and colleagues is
that folks don't think about archives until they have a
question no one can answer and its not on the internet.
|
| 64 |
To most
legislators Archives are a somewhat irrelevant adornment on
the cultural landscape as Archives lack broad appeal and
Archivists spend too much time navel gazing. |
| 65 |
Because we have
had two major disastors this last year it has become clear
that records management is necessary. All departments are at
least willing to listen but the bottom line still remains "$".
|
| 66 |
#8: others who
have done a significant job of promoting use of archival
records and thereby promoting archival collections generally
has been the City of Montreal. With its recent project to
refurbish the canals in the Lachine Canal and the other "urban
development" projects that have taken place around the Canal,
a tremendous amount of information is out there about its
history -- particularly on-site, with commemorative plagues,
and explanatory signage that gives indications of where the
city has been and where it is going -- excellent model for the
promotion of local history using a range of archival evidence.
#11 profession: professor (communication
studies/journalism) |
| 67 |
I think they are
totally unaware of the significance and only care when a
crisis occurs. |
| 68 |
9. While they know
the uses of records, they may not know what its involved in
archives/records centers to care for and retain records.
|
| 69 |
#9 - In strategic
planning, systemic infrastructure support, organizational
placement or access to senior management for archives and
records. Even if records is placed in IT - management doesn't
understand the concept of "content" management. Too much
emphasis on point-in-time systems that eliminate or reduce
access to older records, etc. |
| 70 |
The ones who
operate the documents see the gaps, they are confronted to
those problems everyday, but they don't have the time and the
resources to deal with those problems. Those who create the
documents and most of the time, could make resources
available, don't take the time to see the gaps; so the
problems are transfer to one person to the other! I'm an
archive advisor. |
| 71 |
Recent research
into attitudes to records, recordkeeping and records
management among chief executives in the New South Wales
(Australia) public sector (bang goes my anonymity...) suggests
favourable perceptions, but a recognition that they need to
understand more and a gap between perception and capacity to
contribute. |
| 72 |
One of the
greatest challenges for our profession is to increase our
public profile and make society aware of the value of our
work. For too long, many archivists/RMs have forsaken
promotional activities and have concentrated on the technical
elements of their job. My experience has been that if you are
not promoting your activities to the host organisation and the
local community, or at least linking your own values and
objectives and the organisation's mission, then your
archiving/RM program becomes vulnerable. |
| 73 |
It was difficult
to answer for 'most people' - my answers indicate my
perception of the general public's awareness of records and
archives |
| 74 |
From my POV, the
issue is not the perceptions of the general public or
governing bodies. Most people don't have significant problems
with records. There are plenty of laws requiring records
related compliance. The issue is that organizations that
create records are wasting time and money by managing and
retaining records in an inefficient, excessive, and/or illegal
manner. The reason is a general ignorance of the law, and
records specific organizational methods by those who have
responsibility for them. The reason that the need, which may
not have been significant in the past, is drastically
increasing with our rapid increase in the volume of documents
created, both those that are "records" and those that are not.
Also, issues of privacy and other security issues are becoming
more crucial as access methods are evolving rapidly.
|
| 75 |
Blend of
Archivist/Librarian/Museum Worker and Web/technology aspects
of our profession. |
| 76 |
I think the falicy
of this survey is focusing on the the "public at large". The
public at large really doesn't give a damn, any more than they
care about having the right to vote. Instead, I would ask the
above questions of that segment of the public who seek to
educated, informed, and responsible citizens. That's to whom
the message of archival and RIM values should be pitched.
|
| 77 |
7 apart from a)
politicians within thier profession
8 apart from a)
politicians within their profession
11 Records Manager,
Archivist and Educator |
| 78 |
Q.2 Archives have
a public role similar to libraries and museums, which includes
the provision of public places where people enjoy exploring
together what it means to be a human being/member of a
particular society or community etc.
Q.7&8 School
teachers and students are also a key taget group for getting
the message about archives across to future generations. They
are potentially significant but there is still a long way to
go. |
| 79 |
Politicians
(Houses of Parliament and in local government)need to be
educated, as well as school children |
| 80 |
The profession is
not valued by elected public officials and department heads.
They still regard it as 'filing' and do not consider the risks
associated wiht poor record keeping. |
| 81 |
archivist/records
manager |
| 82 |
I think senior
staff would be aware of the responsibilities to government,
but the staff working in the area may not be so well informed
or educated as to the significance of the work they do and
accountability issues. |
| 83 |
Basically, society
has very little knowledge of what information is available to
them, especially from an archive point of view. Heads of
governments/organisations/departments/corporates etc say very
little publicly about records and archives simply because most
of them (especially private sector)work very hard trying to
ignore the need for recordkeeping and associated costs,
staffing and long-term value. Similarly, they usually ignore
the issue in-house, relying on unused and mostly un-read
policies. Records, Information and Archive professionals
usually don't have the public forums in which to educate.
|
| 84 |
Archives will only
survive as institutions if they can make themselves seen as an
intregal part of promoting the mission of the sponsoring
organization. Archivist must work first within thier own
organization to strenghthen their position and value. Only if
they are seen as beeing valused by thier sponsoring
organizations can we expect the broader public to appreciate
the value. |
| 85 |
response to #11 =
public sector / govt. analyst |
| 86 |
For Q 9 - most
officials & heads see archives & records centres &
their staff as nothing more than a nusiance and a hindrance
|
| 87 |
They are of the
opinion (as in the Heiner Case ) that they are the owners of
archival documentation or evidence and can do with it as they
seem fit; shredding, disposal and use their authority and
legislative powers for subsequent cover ups |
| 88 |
Link to Q9:
Obviously these officers would see the importance of records
for the public organisations in their jurisdiction, for the
rights of citizens and for the community (now and in the
future). Unfortunately, most of these entities do not see the
importance. Only education (positive promotion) can bring
about a change. It is possible, but it will take effort.
|
| 89 |
2 k. Establishing
the rights of indigenous peoples |
| 90 |
On a train trip
from Florence to Vienna last year I struck up a conversation
with a well educated American gentleman who thought I said
'Activist' when I said 'Archivist'. He didn't know what an
archivist was or did - and I think this is very common world
wide. |
| 91 |
Q.9 In my view,
they have very little appreciation of the potential value of
good records management to their organisations. |
| 92 |
women's clubs and
organizations like the League of Voters |
| 93 |
Records Manager
for a small private organisation. Most consultants would only
acknowledge my position in times of need. Most do not comply
with my recommendations for better records management.
|
| 94 |
Information access
and privacy oversight |
| 95 |
I think that some
writers, film and documentary makers and commentators have
great potential to raise understandings about archives and
records. William Gibson and Bruce Sterling, the science
fiction writers, have raised issues relating to electronic
archives amongst computer programmers and science fiction
readers, both through their books and opinion pieces in
magazines. Ken Burns and other documentary makers have used
archives extensively in their programs. It may be time to get
them to make programs about archives rather than with archives
|
| 96 |
9
there is a
significant failing in the education of current government
administrators (record creators) who are of the view as
expressed to me by a senior executive in charge of billions of
taxpayers' money that 'records/archives need to exist I guess
-- but what's it do do with me?" |
| 97 |
I think people's
opinion of archives depends on whether they have had to use
them or not - and the kind of experience they have had when
they do (e.g.their success in tracking the information they
were after; the perceived accuracy of that information; how
easy it was to access; how 'welcoming' they thought the
staff/institution was). Generally I don't think "archives"
even cross people's minds.
In my opinion,
record-creating organisation do give more thought to the way
archives/records centres operate simply because they do with
the institutions more often. They can see the value of being
able to refer back to records without having to keep them all
on-site, and in having someone else deal with the retrieval
and basic access management of material in which the general
public is interested. |
| 98 |
9 - a small,
insular subset of society exists within public records
organisations - if they dont "perceive archives, records
centers and the people who operate them" differently to
society as a whole, then God help us all!! They must have
differing perceptions due to the nature of their work, but
they certainly need to disseminate their views widely, so the
general populations understands the importance of good record
keeping and doesn't think it means "filing"!! |
| 99 |
Departmental Heads
responsible for the ongoing image of organisations have a
vested interest in being to call up records. This often gets
them out of a furore or uncomfortable areas of debate where
criticism can be deflected or allayed through researching past
events and reasons for previous decisions of
Government.
This word "professional" is a much vexed topic. One
could be professionally qualified but not overly successful or
sufficiently committed to be "making a difference" (as they
say. What about those caring and hard working individuals who
have spent decades working in records management and/or
archives, BUT not with qualifications? Are they "professional"
in their application to the cause? This question is not meant
to be a criticism of those who have received University or
similar education, but to encourage tolerance and appreciation
for the contribution of others who may have gained a high
degree of knowledge, awareness or accomplishment working in
the RM or archival situation. In other words to avoid a
culture of "elitism" in the minds of those with academic
training.
In answer to question 11, my expertise is
based on 32 years of Governmental Records keeping, including
27 years more closely associatiated with a focus on archiving.
Here again I feel the need to mention that todays
records, become tomorrows archives, hence the need for
archivists to pay attention and tribute to the growing science
of records management (and vice versa of course).
|
| 100 |
I have answered
many questions as "neutral" as I don't really know what is
happening in many areas. I currently work as a "default"
records manager in a small rural local government and have
done for the past 5 years. Previous main experience is library
work, newspaper proofreading & numerous outdoor/labouring
jobs. |
| 101 |
I have been
employed in an Archives Office and I believe the general
public has a much more sympathetic attitude to historical
records. I am at present involved in corporate records and the
difference is staggering considering they too will be of
interest like convict records - however at the moment they are
perceived as just working papers. |
| 102 |
Most don't care
and in any sustained sense can't be made to care |
| 103 |
11. experience as
student and Archives officer |
| 104 |
There is still a
cultural cringe connected with Recordkeeping/Records
Management. It has long been regarded as the Department to
move on from, or the Department obliged to take staff nobody
else wants. Until this perception changes CEO's, etc. are no
different from society as a whole |
| 105 |
What they perceive
and what their priorities are, are usually two different
things. For example, an archive's importance is directly
related to the risk involved in not finding the records
byyesterday. |
| 106 |
In the public
sector there is an understanding of the need to make records,
even if its just for the 'paper trail'. |
| 107 |
Records
professional - why do you assume that an archivist and a
records manager are different? That's not what it is in the
rest of the world, regardless of whether the situation exists
in some parts or not. |
| 108 |
The big picture,
purpose and benefit to society about what archivists achieve
in preparing for the future by preserving the past - with a
spin - the science of "retention", to create that positive
spin, and therefore the positive spin that research can
empower - enthusiastic and positive decision making - for a
better future. |
| 109 |
I live and work in
South Africa |
| 110 |
I come from an
African society, where archives are seen are part of the
agencies who limit access to information. Except for
reserachers and historian the average citizen is unware of
what archives are and what the role of the arhivist is. Some
even percieve national archives as part of the police as they
are fortifies and security gurads posted at the gates
throughout the day. national Archivists, please open your
doors to the ordinary citizen. |
| 111 |
Manuscripts
librarian/archivist, with 10 years experience in this field;
many more years experience as librarian.
My replies are
specific to South Africa, where we are emerging from a case
where the National Archives was perceived to be an agent of
the apartheid government. The archives service is struggling
to regain credibility and is doing a pretty good job, though
always room for improvement. It is probably difficult to draw
conclusions from an international survey, when conditions vary
so much from country to country. |
| 112 |
I have stopped
answering questions because the browser is resetting the
survey after each question and most of the answers seem
obvious. In general society does not care about archives or
records and wish that they would go away except when they need
to look up their relatives war record.
In summary they do
not see any relevance for them. This is the same with CEO's
who see archives and recordkeeping as an unnecessary overhead.
Solution - making organisations understand that information
resources need to be managed and accounted for with the same
diligence and attention to detail as financial resources with
similar penalties for non compliance may make them finally
take notice. However, white collar crime and failure to keep
records generally generates a big yawn in the general
community and certainly does not seem to attract heavy
penalties. |
| 113 |
I think the
questions are very poorly formulated. It is very confusing - I
am sorry, I cannot waste my time on this. |
| 114 |
7- Politicians,
law makers and top management of business
8 Ditto
|
| 115 |
1. Archives and RM
are not the same and ought to be perceived differently.
Lumping them together does neither any favours.
2. As an
archivist I am somewhat impatient with the profession's
obsession with its image. In this country (UK) the Society of
Archivists has under 2,000 members. It is a tiny and not very
wealthy profession. The most important thing we can do is a
professional job when called upon.
3. The continued
professional distrust by archivists of historians (which I as
one who moved from academic research to archives have
experienced in a mild form) is potentially extremely damaging.
They should be our greatest allies - especially with history
proving so attractive to television. |
| 116 |
(1) What to do
with question 2a?
(2) Feel the need to emphasize the
record continuum: it is (current) records AND archives we are
talking about.
(3) Strongly support the notion that there
is more than PUBLIC records and archives. (... No more ENRONs)
(4)Specification question 11: historian +
archivist/educator.
(5) Understand that CITRA-members do
see the world: can we assume their country (homeland) to
profit considerably from their international meetings?
|
| 117 |
Most people dont
even realise archives exist. If advertising isnt done how will
they ever know? |
| 118 |
Major differences
are the interests of the organisation first and formost. There
is no thought for the purpose of a record in the future
whether for legal or historical needs. Most organisations are
now keeping records due to legislative requirements and for
accountablity. |
| 119 |
The institutions
and main responsibles have no sensibilization for the Archives
produced before them and being produced now. Here in Azores
the government when change offices and heads of departments
put the documents in attics or storage houses, after in black
bags and garbage. No planning for the archives. |
| 120 |
We really need to
abandon the stereotype of archives and records being old,
dusty files locked in a warehouse a la Indiana Jones. It's
time for that stereotype to go and for records and information
to be recognized as dynamic, not dead. I am a records manager
and archivist for a Fortune 200 company. |
| 121 |
I work in the
United States where most people with the exception of
genealogists and historians do not know what an archivist is
or does. |
| 122 |
Archivists
generally talk amongst themselves, speak to the already
converted, in language that archivists understand, that is, we
use jargon and exclude others through use of this language. We
do not generally do a very good job at speaking to a wider
audience, at selling the value of archives to the wider
public. Partnerships with other professionals would go a long
way to bridging gaps in understanding and value that we, as
archivists, struggle with every day. In particular,
partnerships with educators to produce tools or kits that
expose children in primary and secondary schools to the value
of history demonstrated through use of archival documentation
of events that have meaning in their own lives - local,
community. The Nazi gold example is good, at a higher level,
but local connections are more tangible and stand a chance of
touching more people in a memorable way. Children thus exposed
will be more open as they get older to the notion of
value/archives, they will have seen it first hand. But other
partnerships are important as well, vis, with IT professionals
in particular, with the software and hardware industries to
address archival issues in electronic record keeping,
standards, etc. We need to get out there. |
| 123 |
#9. I think the
general populace vaguely knows of our existance, but has never
had to think about us in a concrete way. Information is kept,
we have it, people can go there to retrieve it. Unfortunately,
elected officials' level of knowledge and understanding seem
the same. yet these are the very people upon whom many of us
depend for funding. They mandate we exist, yet do not supply
any concrete means for the work to be done. This is probably
the most significant area of lack in any group. |
| 124 |
11. Archivist /
Public Librarian |
| 125 |
Interesting
questions but, to be honest, "society" really doesn't think
about archives or records management at all. Unless it touches
them directly, (usually through genealogical research and/or
donations to archival institutions) most people haven't a clue
about what archives are or what archivists do. As for people
who work in government institutions, they are not much better.
Again, only if they have been told about the necessity of good
records-keeping and the potential archival nature of the
records they create will they be aware that archives even
exist! In my personal opinion, far more work needs to be done
to increase society's awareness of archives and records
management and, in particular, the very important role that
archives play in the management of information -- i.e. we
should try to get away from the stereotypical image of
archives as dusty basements and only concerned with "old"
records. This is, however, more of a problem in North America.
I think that Europeans have a greater awareness and
appreciation of archival institutions simply because they have
a greater sense of their own culture and history. I'm not sure
what their perceptions of records management are, however.
Good luck with the survey! |
| 126 |
I live in an area
(Boston MA) rich in archives and historical assoc and sites.
Usually when I say I am an archivist, people light up and find
that very interesting. Also I have friends who work on OPen
Meeting Laws and are concerned with open govt documents. so I
believe my views are accuarate for an area like this. I
suggest that the view of records mgt etc. varies a lot by
geography.
I think that historians and geneologists have
less clout in advocating for records/archives because they
have an obvious vested interest. Elected officials; people
from Secry of Stste office in US states, speaking on the
subject would help. Librarians are of course good allies.
Educators? legislators. I would like to see people who don't
have an obvious interest in records/archives speak / do psa
about them.
my experience in the last 3 years has been as
a research assistant in a specialized field, women's history.
|
| 127 |
Generally, I think
archival and records mgt professional organizations have not
done enough to seek out and inform other communities about the
value of records and records keeping. We have done a good job
of talking to each other, but not so good at educating others
outside our professional spheres. This is changing slightly in
some corners. -- I am both an archivist and a records manager.
|
| 128 |
we need to use
public relations experts. |
| 129 |
The record
creators have unrealistic expectations of archivist, e.g. find
information from the past immediately and present it in
condensed form for a report but funds are not allocated for
the proper housing of the records nor for the personal to
proces the records and/or do the required research.
|
| 130 |
I am guessing
about society as a whole and the various mentioned
professions. The questions should be about my own perceptions,
not my perceptions about other's perceptions. |
| 131 |
The general public
does not know what an archivist or records manager is and
cares less. Among those who should know, such as public
officials, I would guess that their knowledge and appreciation
for our pro-fession(s)is in proportion to their need to use
the information we acquire, maintain, preserve, and make
accessible. The best means of educating the public lies, I
believe, with the media. The more positive exposure on TV,
radio, and in print, the better. We do not do a good job of
publicizing our successes. Our leaders in the information
professions need to do a much better job of networking with
other shapers of information and opinion. My university, for
example, does not see a pressing need for having a records
management program. If the SACs review of colleges and
universities REQUIRED institutions of higher education to have
records management and a depository or archives of some sort
we would have regulations on our side. Why don't we work more
with the ALA? Why do library schools have so few archival
courses? Legislators are the other influential group to
educate and woo. If information organizations would work
together, we might be able to assert some clout. As it is,
improvements and reforms are piece-meal. I have been a
graduate student in library school for two and one half years
while working in the archives of a small university almost
full time. My efforts to establish a records management
program for the university and to follow good archival
practice were not appreciated by the Library Director or the
university. I was forced out of the position and now I am a
grant & proposal writer (at the university) until I finish
my library degree, one course per semester. My experience
leads me to believe archivists and records managers are
largely unappreciated and ignored. I hope you will receive
replies that make my observations a minority report.
|
| 132 |
Minister of
religion |
| 133 |
It is difficult to
talk about society as if it were a single person. In general
most people are indifferent to archival/record storage
functions |
| 134 |
I have tracked
since 1995 English language society's perception of archives
as represented in fiction. There appears to be an increased
understanding of the importance of archives as seen through
the popular media (principally film and television). See
http://www.victoria.tc.ca/~mattison/ficarch/index.htm
|
| 135 |
1) In my
experience most people don't know what archives are and have
no perception of them. Since in my opinion, most people don't
know what archives are, they have no sense of the value of
archives nor do they see a need to change a perception that
generally does not exist.
Those who can close that gap are
those who use archives and work in archives and RM. But this
sort of work must reach the public via media that is widely
used by the public. Otherwise we are preaching to the already
converted which does nothing to close the gap.
Those who
create records may recognise the importance of records
management and archives but they will not put the resources
needed to carry out programs that support control and
preservation. Recognition of the problems of RM and Archives
is largely reactive to some sort of "bad press" and then
gratuitous until the bad press goes away.
Whereas the
internet is clearly a good resource for closing that gap, it
should not become merely a showcase for pretty stuff or
telling stories, esp for archives. That is doing the work of
researchers rather than making records accessible through
on-line information about holdings. |
| 136 |
I think public and
government have different and sometimes conflicting needs when
it comes to access and use of records. Electronic services to
public are dictating policy without committment to an
infrastructure to support these demands. |
| 137 |
archival expert
|
| 138 |
The majority of
people do not think of archives at all until they have a very
specific reason to do so. I think this leads to severe
misconceptions about what archives are and what the role of
archivists and records managers is. |
| 139 |
11m. I work as an
archivist/records manager (a combined program) |
| 140 |
Private citizens
who are not necessarily direct users of archives or records
centers or part of the profession of archives or records
management might have some potential to make contributions
towards positive changes in society's perceptions of
archives/records centers and the people who operate them.
|
| 141 |
I believe that
archival organizations need to understand society and its
needs in order to atrract more use/interest and therefore more
positive perceptions. Maybe the reason why we're perceived
badly, if at all, is because we aren't connecting to peoples'
actual needs. Your questions are biased by a certain sense of
it's society's fault Archives aren't highly valued. In my
opinion, the lack is on both sides. |
| 142 |
The need for
and/or the status of archives/records management is not
significantly questioned by those in positions of power. There
continues to be a struggle to make them understand the
importance of the archives/records management programs.
|
| 143 |
#9:They are aware
of the function of records keepers, though they still may not
appreciate it.
#11 I am an archivist who is also currently
doing research an writing on electronic records management.
|
| 144 |
When people
inquire about my job, the majority don't know what an
archivist does. It's a foreign term to many. |
| 145 |
Cannot hold
publicly to account or detect deception without good records
management (Henry McCandless, author of A Citizen's Guide to
Public Accountability - www.accountabilitycircle.org)
|
| 146 |
I don't think the
general public has much awareness at all of archives and their
uses unless they see it brought up in the media or have
personal, individual experience with a need for them. While I
think the number of members of the public who are achieving
that awareness is growing, I still don't believe it is
widespread enough to be considered a part of one of the
considerations of society as a whole. There doesn't seem to be
that critical mass of awareness yet. |
| 147 |
# 11 and educator
and administrator. |
| 148 |
13-Canada
|
| 149 |
#11 Archives &
recordkeeping policy
#13 International |
| 150 |
Teachers at high
school level should be made more aware of archive services
through some kind of in-service opportunities and then they
should be solicited to pass on the varied values of records
and records institutions to their students. |
| 151 |
Qn 7 Others -
Government needs to make more money available to allow for
proper care of archives. External resources immediately raise
the profile of any service, and the threat of removal of these
sources is a big threat. Once standards for storage have been
met and adequate space has been found, principal day to day
crises are removed. More time can then be spent on Advocacy,
outreach and publicity. |
| 152 |
Re: #9 My
perception is that while many (but hardly all) recognise the
need for archives and records centers, few of them feel the
need to encourage their clients/general public about the
significance of their organisation's archives/records centers.
|
| 153 |
Q11. Archivist
& Records Manager |
| 154 |
In my view, most
Americans perceive archives as entirely neutral, conservative
(literatally) and a reliable mirror of the status quo. They
have absolutely no awareness of their political or legal
significance. |
| 155 |
9. See archives,
etc. and money pits, no political return for money invested,
not vote getters, etc. |
| 156 |
Forget
journalists, the few with any sense are far out-weighed by the
headline grabbers who, if they use archives at all, can't
understand what they are reading anyway.
It takes more
than a ten second grab, or its print equivalent, to justify
spending on all that "old stuff". |
| 157 |
You forgot to ask
about peoples from the economical world. |
| 158 |
archivist &
attorney |
| 159 |
electronic records
in general and the access to WWW for posting metadata about
records and in csome cases the complete record is drastically
changing preceptions and demands / use among most professions
and the general public or individual user.
# 11
Profession = archivist, records manager, information access
and project development
#13 International Community
|
| 160 |
7# Head of IT
companies |
| 161 |
THis is based on
the opinions of a society based on a reliance on oral history,
that distrusts the written word -in other words the society in
which this particular archive ioperates, not on the society
that I come from. I work in a variety of fields, principally
as an Archaeologist, but also as an archivist - which I am
doing at present - also records management, clerical, library
etc etc. My present position I have held for 4 months. A small
archive, still trying to convince people that an archive is
important and actually has a value - both to them personally
and to society |
| 162 |
11. Communication
manager introduction RMA/DMS |
| 163 |
I think in this
hectic digital world there is no interest for somtehing so no
trendy -records and archives |
| 164 |
7o individual
businesses need to be encouraged to retain records, not simply
as useful to themselves (which in itself need to be more
widely encouraged, for example technical records for major
infrastructure is of great importance to
engineers/architects/planners/environmentalists for the life
of the structure and beyond, which may be upwards of 150
years) but also as part of the cultural heritage of the
countires they are in. |
| 165 |
More international
support is needed and the mainstreaming of records and
archives management programmes in the development agenda. More
fohelp and focus is needed in Africa especially in the area of
records management on the subject of managing electronic
records. The ICA should do more in these areas. More support
is needed to support archival training schools in Africa where
resources are so few and books and journals are hard to find.
The ICA and other organizations need to do much more.
|
| 166 |
I think archival
world is poorly perceived as the contrary of "action man" by
most people who do not know what they are talking about (this
is enforced by litterature, cinema and media widely sprea.
Those who know a litlle have respect and even some fear of
archives ans archivists (they know all, they keep all our
secrets, they have power over us, they are governement
servants, etc. ...)
Most society NEED to weaken archives
and archivists in order to get rid of controls in their action
legal or illegal. Question od power, which have nothing to do
with law or profesionnal deontology (sorry, I am a
professional archivist without any illusions) |
| 167 |
Enabling
legislation along with compliance mechanism is paramount.
|
| 168 |
Universities teach
a lot of theory and not enough practicality, thus people
aren't aware of the costs when there are no(or procedures not
followed) records management programs established within the
organization. Today's children are brought up in a throw away
society and don't even know how long to keep their personal
records and don't care. We need to change that attitude first.
|
| 169 |
#9 elected public
officials usually ignore the archives until budget cutting
time. |
| 170 |
If we want to
create awareness for good recordkeeping practices, and purport
their value to the greater community. Then as information
professionals/societies and organisations we need to lobby and
ensure that all tertiary courses include a module/unit that
creates awareness to best practice. Education is a must
whether it is formal/informal..... |
| 171 |
society doesn't
react to anything unless it hits it in its face. Archives and
records are mute instruments and those who care for them are
passive. Records are not important until there is a need for
them then they are valued and lamented if they have been
destroyed. |
| 172 |
#11 - I am also
the Agency Records Officer. We have one official policy, with
little support (budget/personnel - I am the only person in
Records Management) for over 3000 employees statewide. Info
Tech has not included me in any discussions, and we are
scanning sensitive public records without a policy for file
formats, proprietary issues, etc. As much as I want to
increase awareness in the Agency, I have been thwarted by
being told not to discuss the issues with any one in the
Agency or outside the Agency, and to accept all paper records,
without proper documentation. I trained over 170 records
liaisons in the past two years, have set up a functional
Records Center (~7000 cf), created standard operating
procedures, included forms, etc., on the Agency Intranet. We
were awarded the "Award of Achievement" by the State Archives
in May 2001, and to date, the Agency Director has not accepted
that award. We could have been selected last year for the
Award of Achievement, but because the Director had not
accepted the first one, the supervisor was "emabarassed" and
did not submit the paperwork. I would have submitted the
paperwork, had I known it was proper for the Records Officer
to do so. However, when the Agency needed records for a
Highway Patrol class action suit, I located all the
information within twenty minutes for pick up. Does that tell
you how people feel about Records? South Carolina, USA
|
| 173 |
#8. I think we as
archivists and records managers need to spend more time
talking with our constitutents. However, it is really up to
those in administrative positions of power, eg. campus
president and deans, business ceo, etc., need to write letters
of support for our programs to get records retention and
disposition schedules implemented.
#9. Department heads
who create the records that will eventually in up in the
trash, records center, or archives need to work more closely
with records management officers to ensure the proper
disposition of records. Records management officers and
archivists should be able to make final judgement calls on
implementation of schedules. Here in the City of Los Angeles
for example, department heads are solely in charge of
determining what and what will not be sent to the records
center and archives. I do not believe they should have this
sole responsibility. |
| 174 |
We used to have
researchers. Now we have users and shoppers. And these users
do not want to credit where they obtained the archival
materials on which their work and products are based. No
wonder it is difficult to obtain visibility for archives and
advocate for core funding and infrastructure. |
| 175 |
I have worked in
Records Managemnt for over 10 years and most people I speak to
have no idea or concept as to what that entails or its
importance.
Number 13: 45 Countries Worldwide
|
| 176 |
Land rights
|
