Archive Services, Access and Preservation module (RM50001)

This module deals with an archivist’s two main responsibilities: to the users of records and to the archives themselves. 

You will examine issues surrounding access to and use of archives. You will consider how archivists can facilitate and increase this use.

You will also look at the physical defence of collections. You will do this by examining immediate and potential threats to the preservation of archives. You will also consider practical ways in which these can be removed. 

Finally, you will consider resource management. This will cover how best to manage time, staff and other resources. This will ensure that your responsibilities to users, archives and managers are met. 

Throughout, the module will be mixing theory with practice. It will also be looking at not just what archivists do but why they do it. You will also look at how standards and practice can best be applied in practice. 

What will you learn

In this module you will: 

• gain an appreciation of the principles underlying access to archives 
• develop the ability to balance user demand against intellectual and practical constraints on unlimited access 
• obtain a thorough knowledge of on-site and remote services available to users of archives 
• develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to attract and inform users. You will learn to disseminate knowledge of collections and their significance
• understand the necessary technical knowledge required to implement best practice. This will be for the preservation and conservation of archival collections
• be introduced to the skills necessary to effectively manage resources and staff 

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• have an awareness of the issues, barriers and principles involved in providing access to archives 
• implement and administer a range of services to facilitate access to collections by on-site and remote users 
• have a thorough knowledge of different methods of attracting, informing and educating a range of users. You will be able to implement these in practice 
• understand the technical and practical skills and knowledge necessary to ensure the preservation of archival collections. You will also have an awareness of the processes involved in their conservation
• have an awareness of the issues involved in time and resource management

Assignments / assessment

Coursework (100%) consisting of: 

• essay (30%)
• report (30%)
• assessed tasks (30%) 
• discussion board participation (10%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• independent study (100%)