The way in which we view the nature of archives and the role of the archivist has changed significantly in the last few decades. With increasing interest from outside of the profession, the idea of archives as the static, impartial carriers of truth and the archivist as a guardian of records has been questioned: how can society take greater control over its own written memory? There have been a number of other changes which have impacted upon the way archivists conceive of themselves and the way in which they work. Chief among these are the rapid rise of technology and the challenges this poses, and the changing place of archives within related fields, such as records and information management.
It is imperative that archivists engage with these challenges if archives are to emerge as a renewed force in the 21st century. This much-needed book is designed not as a practical guide to professional practice, but rather as a reader addressing these challenges. The chapters are contributed by leaders in the field, and are grouped around the following four core themes:

• defining archives
• shaping a discipline
• Archives 2.0: archives in society
• archives in the information age: is there still a role for the archivist?

Each chapter represents a defined argument in its own right to enable readers to dip in and out of the collection as they wish, and the book is structured to highlight chapters that share a common theme. Readership: Archivists and students of archive administration.

About the Author

Jennie Hill BA(Hons) MA MSc(Econ) is a Lecturer in Archives and Records Management at the Department of Information Studies, Aberystwyth University. She has previously worked in a wide range of local and national archive services.

Reviews

"This book could benefit any professional in records and information management, knowledge or library management, history, or research. It provides an intense and thought-provoking mix of theory, practice, and philosophy."

-- Information Management

"I strongly recommend The Future of Archives and Recordkeeping as an enriching read for librarians of all types. It sheds much light on the common goals and dilemmas faced by all information professions while also introducing non-archivists to issues of knowledge and culture that are too important not to be conscientiously analysed."

"...will be of greatest value to students of archival studies, and practitioners updating their understanding of issues impacting the archive sector. The chapters stand alone so the book can be "dipped into" according to the interests of the reader, or chapters can be read in conjunction with the others that sit alongside within the same theme."

-- The Serials Librarian

"I strongly recommend The Future of Archives and Recordkeeping as an enriching read for librarians of all types. It sheds much light on the common goals and dilemmas faced by all information professions while also introducing non-archivists to issues of knowledge and culture that are too important not to be conscientiously analysed."

-- Ariadne



Book Information
ISBN 9781856046664
Author Jennie Hill
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Facet Publishing
Publisher Facet Publishing
Weight(grams) 181g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 154mm * 18mm