In response to Bruce and Brian,
Is it possible to be cynical and optimistic at the same time? For me, it depends on the day...
Archives are in the position of being the least readily recognized component of these hybrids in the eyes of the general public. How disheartening is it to have to explain what an archivist does at every other social function I attend? If it wasn't depressing, the number of times I've heard the word itself mispronounced would be amusing. I rather feel that our position is analogous to the Canada-US relationship. Comparing ourselves as Canadians to the US is a national pastime for us. In the same way, the archives community is quite aware of its counterparts in the museum, library and tourism community. Is this a case of an inferiority complex in the archives community?
In the end, my opinion is that what is inside the archives is even more important than the institution itself (the institution supports the material so the lines are somewhat blurry). I should also add that the fact that I see myself as a heritage archivist more than a records management archivist influences this view (again the lines are blurry because the records management supports the heritage...). Museum exhibits and heritage tours developed by the tourism industry would not have their wheels without archives. Given the right opportunities, Archives can make themselves indispensable to these other functions and promote themselves in the process.
As far as archivists in management positions goes, the demographic makeup of the workforce is going to open up oportunities for senior management positions to archivists here, there and everywhere. It will just be a matter of stepping up to the plate when the time comes, positioning oneself so that one has the proper qualifications and the personal decision of the individual archivist as to whether or not they want to be senior management.
I've enjoyed your feedback and found it thought-provoking. Thanks.
Karin Foster
Grey County Archives
P.O. Box 1389
Durham, ON
N0G 1R0
-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Masschaele [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Fri 30/05/2003 9:06 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: Re: MAIG AGM - Related Link
Bruce, I tend to agree with you. However, the situation may be changing somewhat at the federal level. Did anyone catch that this potential new "political history museum" may be administered by the Library and Archives of Canada, which is in itself a newly merged institution in which archivists seem to be playing a prominent role in senior administration?
As archivists, we need to be much more confident about our skill sets and our ability to lead and impact the merger process, not follow it. I, for one, feel I am just as capable as any other heritage or information professional in running the whole show if it comes to that. Nevertheless, I have had to augment my degree in archival studies with additional management training to feel this way. I really think that there is a critical element missing in our graduate programs for archival studies with regards to management skills training, business case development and marketing. These skills are imperative in today's environment. Archivists need to learn how to market themselves better using the lingo of the day. With this in mind, I think the AAO's conference theme of "absolute advocacy" is entirely appropriate. Just my two cents ...
Brian Masschaele, Archivist
Elgin County Archives
450 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas Ontario Canada N5R 5V1
Ph: 519-631-1460, ext. 138 Fax: 519-631-9209
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
>>> Bruce Beacock <[log in to unmask]> 05/29/03 09:47PM >>>
Very interesting. Brave words ... but I couldn't shake the feeling that
they sounded like code for "glub..glub..glub."
It's been both my experience and observation that "hybrid" heritage
institutions inevitably subordinate the archives mission to that of the
museum...or library...or tourism. And why is it that an archivist never
seems to head one of these creatures of political expediency? Or am I
just becoming cynical in my old age?
Bruce Beacock
County Archivist
Simcoe County Archives
1149 Highway 26, RR 2
MINESING ON L0L 1Y0
(705) 726-9331 (t)
(705) 725-5341 (f)
[log in to unmask]
http://www.county.simcoe.on.ca
"Foster, Karin" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent by: "A forum for discussion for the Archives Assoc. of Ontario"
<[log in to unmask]>
28/05/2003 04:06 PM
Please respond to "Foster, Karin"
To: [log in to unmask]
cc:
Subject: MAIG AGM - Related Link
As a prelude to the planned mergers discussion at the AGM, MAIG members
might be interested in the link below:
http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/general/bcarbcm.htm
Karin Foster
Grey County Archives
P.O. Box 1389
Durham, ON
N0G 1R0
(519) 369-3245
fax (519) 369-6547
[log in to unmask]
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