Training and Professional Development (Regional Action)

1. Training and Professional Development (Regional Action) • Update on records management course • Background to PARBICA proposal • (Pacific Branch of the International Council on Archives) • During PARBICA 9 in Palau 2001: resolution 4 ..members placed as great importance to establish an education program for smaller Pacific Island states… • Bureau had to prepare a comprehensive proposal for a new programme at USP to provide distance education in archives and records management

2. Why we need education program • Through PARBICA’s regular surveys & reports - members demonstrated concerns of near absence of qualified recordkeeping professionals - Without qualified archivists and records managers, there is continued reliance on people with multiple responsibilities and temporary visits from international consultants

3. In this environment , members feel it is difficult to persuade decision makers that accountable and efficient recordkeeping is important, gain support for preservation of documentary heritage, design the necessary systems and facilities, train those who will work with them and manage the day to day activities of archival institutions and registries

4. Steps forward….. • Discussions with USP library staff by PARBICA reps began in 1999 to ascertain the feasibility of setting up new courses in archives and records management - A UNESCO funding assistance to commission work on the initial study and proposal was granted

5. International Records Management Trust (IRMT) was the consultants to work on the project. Dr Laura Millar (an archival and educational consultant at the British Columbia, Canada) visited Fiji in 2001/2002 to hold talks with USP • A report was prepared for PARBICA in 2003 by the IRMT which covered – overview of records and archives issues in the P.I - an analysis of educational needs in and requirements for the P.I

6. - an evaluation of the suitability of the University of the South Pacific (USP) as a host institution for a distance- education program in records and archives management - an estimate of time frames and costs for development of curriculum for a program at USP, and - recommendations to PARBICA for a course of action

7. During PARBICA 11 in Nadi, 2005..USP was invited to talk on an update on the report which was submitted to them for consultation, costing and approval. • USP approved the training program which was greatly welcomed by PARBICA and its members but… • PARBICA’s main concern was - costs that had to be incurred to run the whole program

8. And had under its resolutions for that meeting called on USP to pursue funding and to work with other education and training providers for course development and delivery • After continued talks ..PARBICA has advised USP that it cannot source the funds needed to establish the program, but that it is willing to provide access to its expertise and networks of partner organizations

9. During PARBICA 12 which was held in Noumea in October this year… • - After survey of country reports submitted from 13 Island States – training is still the biggest issue. - enrolment of staff in a professional training program to provide for basic upgrading of skills and knowledge - call for continuous dialogue came from P.I states between PARBICA and USP…need for the professional training program to be revived

10. Thank you