UNDERSTANDING COLLECTIONS AT RISK. Issue 136 (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Caroline
• Is Part Of: Archives. Volume 53:Issue 136(2018)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 69
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: collections -- risk -- archives -- records -- capacity -- sustainability -- resource -- regulation -- underrepresentation -- community
• DOI: 10.3828/archives.2018.4
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9535

Abstract

Abstract : A core responsibility of the archives sector is to ensure that archive collections are properly cared for whether by an archives service or by parent organisations. Between the creation of records and their ultimate safekeeping lies a period of potential risk. While collections that should have been kept will always be lost, it is important actively to try to reduce risk in a sustainable way. The National Archives 2016 research project 'Understanding Collections at Risk' identified the nature of such risks, and how risks are differently present in different archive sectors. In considering the risks of loss and underrepresentation, it proposed steps that might be taken to mitigate such risks and improve representative collecting. A subsequent TNA workshop held in September 2017 considered the report's findings, made six recommendations and established a steering group to develop an action plan to respond to the issues identified.