Accounts with interest: opening up the archives
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Sch of History
Abstract
Accounts with interest: opening up the archives
People |
ORCID iD |
| Margaret Procter (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Ian Jones (Student) |
| Description | The research is still ongoing, however key findings include: the use of corporate archives by a much wider variety of actors within the studied organisation, beyond the traditional conception of being used almost exclusively by marketing and legal departments. - the role of authenticity in the effective use of the archives and the role the archive and archivist plays in conferring and confirming this authenticity. Authenticity is a nebulous concept that requires more defining that I can do here, however, in order to use the archive effectively in communication efforts, the narratives created must be considered authentic by their audience. Archives and archivists can help here through their specialised knowledge of the context of the holdings and history of the company, and through the legitimacy archives hold in people's minds. Although they can make sure that the narrative is accurate, this is not the same as authentic, although they are linked. Archives and the physical remnants of the past they hold can help to create emotional bonds to the narrative in a more effective way than narrative alone. - Archival resources and information can help organisation in developing and implementing their strategy. There is evidence that historical knowledge helps organisation overcome certain cognitive biases that can impair strategic thinking. Archives, as a function of organisational memory, can help executive to have greater historical awareness making them more aware of the impact of their decisions. Additionally, the specific information in the archive can be used to make better decisions. - The research value of the archivist should be highlighted more, particularly for internal use. Although it seems to be acknowledged that archivists perform a research role, much of the literature and the way they are often described in professional circles ignores this, seeing their skills primarily in the realm of processes of preservation. This is certainly not the only role of corporate archivists that often have to fulfill the dual role of company historian and researcher, learning a great deal about the organisation and its history that can not be replicated by others without significant time investment. - The future of archives is unclear. As more data gets digitized, the ability of archivists to have n depth understanding of their holdings becomes more limited due to the volume of what is recorded. Additionally, the lack of physical artefacts and records may lead to archival information and records being see as less authentic and less impactful from a communications point of view. The use of archives and the role of the archivist will have to change as this dawns. This research will offer some ways as to how this will work |
| Exploitation Route | Other studies at corporate archives in other organisations Other methodologies to do similar research, such as using ANTi-History or Strategy as practice. Greater investment and use of the archives by organisation, highlighting their existence to staff to get greater use More effort by organisations to invest in digital preservation and making sure information and records get tot the archives. For companies that create physical records or artefact, more attention in getting them to the archive and preserving them |
| Sectors | Education,Financial Services, and Management Consultancy,Government, Democracy and Justice,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections,Retail,Other |