October 26, 2007

First Jenkinson Lecture

Last night I went to the first Jenkinson Lecture held at the UCL: 60 years on: the role of a 21st century archive vs. Jenkinson’s model, given by Natalie Ceeney, Chief Executive of The National Archives of the UK. As a general comment I thought the lecture lacked depth. Given the audience, there was an opportunity there for a comprehensive or profound examination of the role of the National Archives now as compared to Jenkinson’s conception over half a century ago. Instead the lecture merely pointed out, in broad terms, how selection, preservation and access to archival material have changed through the influence of new technology and changing political agendas. But, I’m pleased the UCL has started this lecture series and hope to attend more.