A beginners guide to Archives: essential skills for non archivists

Date: Friday 12th June 2009
Time:0930 – 1630
Venue: MLA London, 4th Floor, 53-56 Great Sutton Street, London EC1V 0DG

This course is for newly appointed archive assistants, for those not qualified as archivists but with responsibility for archives in their organisations, those wishing to gain a basic understanding and knowledge of archival process and practice, and those who come into contact with the operation of archive services in the course of their work, eg  Local Authority employees, heritage service managers. The day will cover:
What are archives?  Defining what is an archive and why they are important 
Archive collections How archives collect – collection polices, including the National Archives Collecting Policy checklist; Practical considerations in collection policies; Appraisal and disposal including introduction to assessing significance 
Managing content – cataloguing and standards An introduction to cataloguing and other finding aidsStandards for managing content, ISAD(G), ISAAR (CPR), NCA Rules for Names 
Storage and handling Archival storage standards and practice – including a look at BS5454 Recommendations for the Storage and Exhibition of Archival DocumentsHandling techniques 
Access Why access matters; who are we trying to reach with archive collections; examples of how collections can be used in access including alongside other collection types 
Learning outcomes Ability to understand archives are and how they differ from other collection types;  an insight into collecting archive material in a professional manner; a basic understanding of how to approach cataloguing archives and the relevant standards; a basic understanding of how to store and handle archives and the relevant standards; an appreciation of how archives are used to meet the needs of different user groups
Registration: 09:30 – 10:00
Course: 10:00 – 16:30
Trainer:  Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cohen
Maximum numbers: 20
Cost:  £110 (+VAT) per delegate

All course papers are included in the price.
Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.
To book, download a booking form or contact the Team Administrator on the details below:

Sarah Murray
Team Administrator
MLA London
Fourth Floor
53-56 Great Sutton Street
London EC1V 0DG

Direct line: 020 7549 1712
Switchboard: 020 7549 1700
Fax: 020 7490 5225
mailto:richard.sved@mlalondon.org.uk
http://www.mlalondon.org.uk/