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ARMReN aims to develop research in the discipline of archives and records management by linking academics, researchers, and professionals, disseminating research information, and fostering the growth of new researchers. The network will organize workshops, seminars, and provide an electronic forum and information resource.
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An archives and records management research network (ARMReN) for the UK: plans, activities and prospects Dr Elizabeth Shepherd School of Library, Archive and Information Studies University College London e.shepherd@ucl.ac.uk Society of Archivists Conference, Lancaster, 5-8 September 2006
Practice versus research Terry Cook (University of Manitoba, Canada): • discipline v profession • theory v practice • education v training • new digital recordkeeping approaches v traditional cultural heritage priorities Sarah McNicol quoting Booth: • ‘research-practice gap’
The role of research • builds theories and models as frameworks for practice • develops knowledge base, understanding of profession’s ethos and societal role • promotes critical enquiry and analysis, allows sophisticated articulation of concepts • facilitates standardisation, planning & evaluation • examines policy development & execution • practitioner research
How does research fit into graduate education for archivists and records managers? Professional qualifications: • develop professional skills and knowledge • underpinned by history and theory • critical enquiry? Research methods courses; requirement for Masters thesis
UK Context • Scholarly research community for archives and records management: c12 people at 6 universities • Forum for Archives and Records Management Education and Research (FARMER), 1999 • North West European Archival Educators Forum • PhD students in archives and records management conference, Liverpool, 2005
Framework for sustainability in research • A shared understanding • Setting strategic research priorities • Funding streams • Critical mass • Research collaboration • Identifying gaps and building depth • Improved dissemination
Mapping the Research Landscape(British Academy research grant) Aims to improve the quality and quantity of academic research in archives and records management by creating a map of the research landscape for the discipline in the UK. Research objectives: • Identify research projects in the discipline in the UK, 1995-2006 • Identify areas of professional practice with research potential • Assess areas of weakness & success • Propose future research priorities as the basis for a UK research agenda
Archives and Records Management Research Network (ARMReN)Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), 2006-2007 What is ARMReN for? • help develop research in the discipline of archives and records management • link academics in archives and records management with researchers who use archives and professionals who manage records • collect and disseminate information about research • foster the development of new academic researchers in the discipline • act as a central point for the exchange of ideas • encourage new collaborative partnerships (UK, Europe, internationally)
Archives and Records Management Research Network (ARMReN) What will ARMReN do? • create a website with an electronic forum and information resource • organise three one-day research workshops: Access and impact; Appraisal and collecting; Description • run two ‘Archives and History’ seminars at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London • disseminate results through conference papers and a journal article
How can I contact ARMReN? • See the web site at: http://www.slais.ucl.ac.uk/research-ARMReN • Or contact the PrincipaI Investigator: Dr Elizabeth Shepherd School of Library, Archive and Information Studies University College London Gower Street London WC1E 6BTemail: e.shepherd@ucl.ac.uktel: +020 7679 2945fax: +020 7383 0557
An archives and records management research network (ARMReN) for the UK: plans, activities and prospects Dr Elizabeth Shepherd School of Library, Archive and Information Studies University College London e.shepherd@ucl.ac.uk Society of Archivists Conference, Lancaster, 5-8 September 2006