Archives conference 2010

Next week I’m going to the Archives conference in Manchester. The theme- we are what we keep - is somewhat provocative. The schedule has some interesting topics and I’m pleased to see there’s a heavy dose of digitally-themed talks. As with last year, it should be a welcome chance to stay in nice accommodation.

Launch of the Archives and Records Association UK and Ireland

Although I'm almost a week late, I'd like to join others in celebrating the launch of the newly formed Archives and Records Association UK and Ireland, which came into existence on 1 July 2010. With a remit to promote archives and records, archive and record users and record keeping professionals, I hope they are spectacularly successful.

Wikipedia dosses at the British Museum

This guy, Liam Wyatt, from Australia is camping out at the British Museum as a Wikipedian in Residence. As a volunteer. What an amazingly good idea this is. Apparenlty lots of good wikipedia articles have already sprung into being as a result.

A toast to archives

It's International Archives Day 2010. Again we in the profession have an opportunity to promote the use and appreciation of archives within our own countries. The ICA hopes that local celebrations will foster international solidarity among those responsible for the care of archives and their users. I also hope this happens. Archives are one area where the similarities between people of all nations anywhere, and anytime, can be highlighted. At a time when economic troubles are causing us to look internally it's important to remember the wider world stage upon which we live and work and to which our profession contributes.

If the Archives and Records Association (UK and Ireland) is planning anything I've missed it.

The time shortage continues

It is so frustrating not having the time to blog. This brief post is just to note that I’m as upset as everyone else that Kings College has axed the palaeography chair, and with it the talented, irreplaceable, David Ganz. What were they thinking? Crazy thoughts. I’m also interested in the recent passing of the Digital Economy Bill. The fact that it was rushed through Parliament, with minimal debate in the Commons, makes me suspicious of just what it contains. I should read it of course. There’s that lack of time thing again.