ARMReN: Advancing Archives and Records Management Research in the UK

1. 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

2. 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’

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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