Please excuse cross postings but for those of you not on one of the lists to
which this announcement was posted I thought the report on this survey from
Mr. Barry would be of interest.  Have a read during your coffee break!
Iona McCraith
AAO Preservation Consultant


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Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2003 2:42 AM
Subject: Report on the Society and Archives Survey


> Dear Colleagues:
>
> Please excuse and ignore cross postings.
>
> I am pleased to be able to share with you the results of the "Society and
> Archives Survey" that was conducted in November 2002. It is now posted on
the
> home page of www.mybestdocs.com. The Survey was aimed at gaining insights
> into archives and records management (and other) professionals'
> understandings of societies perceptions about records; and their beliefs
> about what can, is and should be done about improving those perceptions
and
> the reality of current and emerging demands. I believe that you will find
> considerable provocative findings in the report, especially those of you
who
> are heading national, state/provincial local archives and records centers,
> and professional associations. There is much in the survey findings also
for
> private sector professionals, educators and students.  Finally there are
some
> truly excellent models ("Good News Stories") of how some of our colleagues
> are taking actions that are having a very positive impact in their own
> organizations and communities. I know there are many more such stories,
and I
> invite colleagues to send me other examples of "Good News Stories" such as
> those that were shared with me in exchanges following the survey and that
are
> included in this report. At the same time, it is evident that not nearly
> enough is being done along these lines. Hopefully, readers of this report
> will be inspired to do something within their own control to make a
> difference in this important issue area.
>
> Thank you to the 671 people who completed the Society and Archives Survey
and
> especially those 176 individuals who took the time to share one or more
> additional comments under Question 10 of the survey (Other general
> comments/examples) and particularly to the few who made the additional
effort
> to share their "Good News Stories" with us.
>
> Best regards, especially to our colleagues in Canberra where hundreds of
> people have been injured and over 500 homes have been destroyed by
wildfires
> in recent days. Fortunately, as I understand it, there was no damage to
the
> National Archives of Australia.
>
> Rick Barry
> www.mybestdocs.com
>