1 00:00:11,800 --> 00:00:16,290 I'm very pleased to be here. This year's any book Oxford Libraries Conference. 2 00:00:16,860 --> 00:00:23,309 Speaking on on behalf of our chief executive Jeff James, who was hoping to talk to you. 3 00:00:23,310 --> 00:00:30,750 But unfortunately that business was indeed very pressing and he was very disappointed not to be here. 4 00:00:30,750 --> 00:00:40,500 But I tell you what, I'm very pleased to be here. And I've it's been fantastic to spend the morning with with Simon looking at your facilities. 5 00:00:42,180 --> 00:00:45,480 Today. I'm going to talk to you for approximately half an hour. 6 00:00:45,870 --> 00:00:51,630 And in doing so, introduce you to the archives sector and the National Archives. 7 00:00:52,740 --> 00:00:58,559 Share with you some of the great work going on within archives, within the Archives sector, 8 00:00:58,560 --> 00:01:07,860 demonstrating how the sector engages with people across the country and to promote the value of archives and their collections. 9 00:01:08,940 --> 00:01:13,019 I'll talk about some of the challenges the archive sector faces and how the sector 10 00:01:13,020 --> 00:01:19,590 is responding to those challenges through innovation and collaboration solutions. 11 00:01:20,490 --> 00:01:29,730 And finally, I'll close by considering the challenges and opportunities presented to archives all over the world by the digital era. 12 00:01:30,630 --> 00:01:39,990 And how new statute strategic priorities aim to deliver practical solutions for both the National Archives and indeed, the sector. 13 00:01:41,070 --> 00:01:44,280 And of course, I'll be happy to take questions at the end. 14 00:01:45,940 --> 00:01:51,489 For those of you who may not know about the National Archives, I thought it might be useful to begin with. 15 00:01:51,490 --> 00:01:59,140 A brief introduction. Unlike many of our sister bodies in the heritage and cultural sector, 16 00:01:59,710 --> 00:02:05,350 the National Archives is a government department and an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice. 17 00:02:06,640 --> 00:02:16,210 We are small, but a complex organisation created from the ashes of many other public bodies, including the Office of Public Sector Information, 18 00:02:16,930 --> 00:02:26,440 Her Majesty's Stationery Office and the Historical Manuscripts Commission, which carries out functions in support of records in private ownership. 19 00:02:27,840 --> 00:02:35,100 As the Government's National Archives for the UK, we hold over a thousand years of records, 20 00:02:35,100 --> 00:02:41,370 both physical and increasingly digital, for everyone to discover and choose. 21 00:02:42,270 --> 00:02:49,110 We have over 600 members of staff and as many of you know, we're based in Kew, in Surrey. 22 00:02:50,790 --> 00:02:56,250 In 2011, following the demise of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, 23 00:02:56,820 --> 00:03:03,750 we were also very fortunate to inherit leadership responsibility for the wider archive sector. 24 00:03:04,350 --> 00:03:13,080 Over 2500 archive institutions across England, including over 200 places of deposit. 25 00:03:14,920 --> 00:03:21,010 These institutions make up a diverse network of archives, which that National Archives sits at. 26 00:03:21,010 --> 00:03:27,489 The heart of our role is very much to help this rich and diverse network to 27 00:03:27,490 --> 00:03:33,250 sustain and develop itself by working together to promote the value of archives, 28 00:03:33,490 --> 00:03:44,080 their services and their collections. The archives sector works continuously to develop best practice and standards in all aspects of archive, 29 00:03:44,080 --> 00:03:54,670 information and records management archives safeguard countless irreplaceable histories about everyday people. 30 00:03:55,510 --> 00:03:59,560 They hold materials that can inspire and informed decisions. 31 00:04:00,510 --> 00:04:06,299 And have a positive impact on society. As Chief Operating Officer, 32 00:04:06,300 --> 00:04:11,879 I work closely with my colleagues in our Archives Sector Development Team who actively 33 00:04:11,880 --> 00:04:18,150 support the sector to secure the best possible long term future for their collections. 34 00:04:19,050 --> 00:04:28,410 In my role, I have had the privilege to witness firsthand some of the fantastic work going on in the sector, 35 00:04:28,410 --> 00:04:36,450 and I thought I'd share some of this with you. Sharing what the archive sector is doing, showing what the archive sector is doing, 36 00:04:36,570 --> 00:04:43,260 and how it engages with people across the UK to promote the value of archives and their collections. 37 00:04:44,840 --> 00:04:53,030 Archives of all types matter. They provide the collective memory of our society and future generations. 38 00:04:54,290 --> 00:04:59,810 Over the years, there has been a fundamental change in the way many archives work. 39 00:05:00,650 --> 00:05:11,360 In many respects, they have spearheaded a range of innovative and collaborative activities to attract new audiences and to benefit local communities. 40 00:05:12,530 --> 00:05:23,690 Examples like Unlocked Reflections, a creative poetry program at HMV Lewis inspired by archival materials. 41 00:05:24,740 --> 00:05:30,800 This is an outreach collaboration partnership between the Mass Observation Archive, 42 00:05:31,280 --> 00:05:36,860 the University of Sussex, East Sussex County Council and the prison. 43 00:05:38,180 --> 00:05:49,370 Prisoners were inspired to create works of poetry using archival collections that were subsequently brought together into a poetry publication. 44 00:05:50,940 --> 00:05:55,260 This publication, which of course, will be deposited with the legal deposit library, 45 00:05:56,520 --> 00:06:03,240 will be shared around the prison community for new inmates as part of their induction. 46 00:06:03,690 --> 00:06:07,979 And I did get a chance to see this in action and meet the prisoners. 47 00:06:07,980 --> 00:06:17,850 And it was a fantastically impressive and engaging experience and remarkable the impact that our records have. 48 00:06:19,900 --> 00:06:26,799 As part of this program, I had the opportunity with Jeff to tour the Keep a new archival facility built in 49 00:06:26,800 --> 00:06:31,870 collaboration between the University of Sussex and East Sussex County Council. 50 00:06:32,620 --> 00:06:38,049 The entire project is a fantastic example of how archives can thrive by investing in 51 00:06:38,050 --> 00:06:44,080 progressive joined up partnerships and how they can help people from all walks of life. 52 00:06:46,120 --> 00:06:54,310 In July 2012, the Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service moved to a state of the art building called the Hive, 53 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:58,990 along with the city and university libraries and the Worcestershire hub. 54 00:07:00,570 --> 00:07:09,780 The move was a chance for the service to take a good look at itself, in particular how it was reaching audiences and the local community. 55 00:07:11,260 --> 00:07:16,750 The outcome of this move is a complete transformation of the archive and library services. 56 00:07:17,530 --> 00:07:29,690 It also involved working with the local community, determined to determine what would work best for their new archival hub alongside these activities. 57 00:07:29,710 --> 00:07:33,870 Since the archive sector's ability to find more ways to be empowered, 58 00:07:34,660 --> 00:07:45,580 the Explore Your Archive campaign began in November 2013 and is run by the National Archives in partnership with the Archives and Records Association. 59 00:07:47,220 --> 00:07:53,400 Every year, archives throughout the UK and Ireland throw open their doors and invite everyone 60 00:07:53,400 --> 00:07:59,940 to immerse themselves in their materials with nationwide exhibitions and events. 61 00:08:00,480 --> 00:08:08,190 The campaign is an opportunity for archives of all kinds to come together to showcase what they hold, 62 00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:13,440 why they are significant, and why their collections matter for people and society. 63 00:08:14,070 --> 00:08:18,720 Last year, a record number of archives participated in the campaign. 64 00:08:20,460 --> 00:08:26,220 These are just a few of the examples of best practice and innovation going on within the sector. 65 00:08:27,000 --> 00:08:35,460 I could go on to mention many more such collaborations in places like Hull and Manchester, but I hope they demonstrate how, 66 00:08:35,640 --> 00:08:41,940 despite pressures, the Archives sector is facing up to meet the challenges that lie ahead. 67 00:08:44,100 --> 00:08:54,000 And there is no avoiding that. Despite these successes, there are very real and genuine challenges for the Archives sector and the National Archives, 68 00:08:54,330 --> 00:08:59,760 as the sector leadership body needs to play an essential role in supporting them. 69 00:09:01,310 --> 00:09:06,650 It is very challenging times for all of us, despite what I saw this morning. 70 00:09:07,610 --> 00:09:18,470 Archives are having to adapt to the enormous changes digital technology brings, whilst also coping with reduction in resources. 71 00:09:19,700 --> 00:09:28,400 Nobody is in a position to guarantee or promise any future investment into the sustainability of the archives and library sectors. 72 00:09:28,430 --> 00:09:33,350 However, this doesn't mean we shouldn't continue to have our ambition. 73 00:09:35,080 --> 00:09:41,860 The Government policy for archives. Archives for the 21st century expired in March this year. 74 00:09:42,370 --> 00:09:48,490 He outlined a number of broad objectives, including seeking to develop bigger and better services, 75 00:09:48,760 --> 00:09:53,170 adopting a coordinated response to the management of digital information, 76 00:09:53,680 --> 00:10:02,050 providing comprehensive online access to archival materials, and developing better cultural and learning partnerships. 77 00:10:03,070 --> 00:10:12,160 The policy allowed archives to create their own frameworks in order to put their case to stakeholders, government and in some cases, users. 78 00:10:12,790 --> 00:10:17,470 It also spurred them and us into thinking about our combined futures. 79 00:10:19,630 --> 00:10:24,220 The action plan was created to serve as a tool that the sector used to put. 80 00:10:24,220 --> 00:10:29,230 The government policy aims into practice for users and communities. 81 00:10:29,500 --> 00:10:36,640 However, it's never easy to provide a one size fits all plan to such a diverse sector. 82 00:10:38,890 --> 00:10:44,260 With the pressures facing us, there is a pressing need to define a new plan for the sector, 83 00:10:45,010 --> 00:10:49,170 one which helps frame the sector's work over the next few years. 84 00:10:50,340 --> 00:11:00,000 A plan born from co-creation right across the sector in collaboration with key stakeholders and strategic partners. 85 00:11:00,660 --> 00:11:07,530 Its development could spark a period of critical debate and ask some fundamental questions about the challenging, 86 00:11:07,770 --> 00:11:15,720 yet exciting future of the archives sector, such as Who are the sector's audience and what do they want? 87 00:11:16,560 --> 00:11:21,450 How does digital and paper, online and on site fit together? 88 00:11:21,990 --> 00:11:27,220 What can be collectively delivered for society in terms of culture and accountability? 89 00:11:27,600 --> 00:11:36,930 For example, what investment and innovations are needed to not only sustain the sector but also help it grow, develop and meet its aspirations. 90 00:11:39,120 --> 00:11:46,650 What role should the National Archives play? How can the Archives sector drive and deliver its own future? 91 00:11:47,580 --> 00:11:54,450 How can the sector secure support and importantly resource from strategic partners? 92 00:11:56,170 --> 00:12:06,940 As I said earlier, there is no definitive or particular solution to these considerations because the auto sector is varied and unique. 93 00:12:07,000 --> 00:12:14,649 One size cannot fit all. Which is why planning the next steps will require large scale trucks. 94 00:12:14,650 --> 00:12:23,680 Cross sector conversations following an independent evaluation of AACo's The 21st Century. 95 00:12:23,710 --> 00:12:33,220 We now have a very good idea of the Archives sector's thoughts, and we know that the sector perceives its main challenges as funding cuts, 96 00:12:33,760 --> 00:12:38,830 digital preservation and and skills, particularly digital skills. 97 00:12:39,670 --> 00:12:47,950 The sector is maturing and looking to shift from awareness raising to a desire for more practical solutions over the coming years, 98 00:12:47,950 --> 00:12:54,370 particularly for digital preservation. It's looking for the means to make significant, 99 00:12:54,670 --> 00:13:05,110 realistic changes and needs the National Archives to also mature its leadership by providing more practical support and tools. 100 00:13:07,050 --> 00:13:15,180 Alongside this, there is a call for a more inclusive approach overall and to spread the focus across 101 00:13:15,180 --> 00:13:21,820 the board so that it is not just fixed on the public sector as a government body. 102 00:13:21,840 --> 00:13:27,900 The National Archives is uniquely placed to help build the case with government for all archives. 103 00:13:28,260 --> 00:13:33,300 We believe that our position is a confident spokesman on behalf of the Archives sector. 104 00:13:35,290 --> 00:13:38,919 But as I said earlier, it's not just about advocating policy, 105 00:13:38,920 --> 00:13:46,240 but also about practical solutions which are developed jointly through co-creation, partnership and innovation. 106 00:13:47,320 --> 00:13:51,730 Local Authority Archives hold the power to do more targeted advocacy. 107 00:13:52,300 --> 00:13:59,590 The case studies created and published recently by the Local Government Association in collaboration with the National Archives, 108 00:14:00,220 --> 00:14:05,140 helped to illustrate how archives contribute to the key priorities for local government. 109 00:14:07,120 --> 00:14:10,540 In 2013, with a view to greater transparency, 110 00:14:11,050 --> 00:14:20,470 the government began transferring records to the National Archives for Permanent Preservation when they are 20 years old instead of 30. 111 00:14:21,130 --> 00:14:27,460 On the 1st of January 2015, the second phase of the 20 year rule came into effect, 112 00:14:28,450 --> 00:14:32,680 covering the transfer of records of local interest to places of deposit. 113 00:14:33,910 --> 00:14:39,460 Together with the sector, we have worked to smooth the transition to the 20 year rule. 114 00:14:40,440 --> 00:14:47,790 And the National Archives will administer £7.1 million funding of new burdens, 115 00:14:47,790 --> 00:14:54,990 funding to the sector over the next ten years to offset the costs that will place on local authorities. 116 00:14:55,800 --> 00:14:58,150 We don't pretend to have all the answers. 117 00:14:58,170 --> 00:15:07,170 However, we recognise that skills and expertise within the sector can contribute to joint goals and plans in order to use them to maximum effect, 118 00:15:07,860 --> 00:15:13,049 such as the work done over the last couple of years to foster collaborative service networks 119 00:15:13,050 --> 00:15:18,510 inspired by the formation of the Greater Manchester Archives and Local Studies Partnership, 120 00:15:18,510 --> 00:15:25,890 where 11 Archives Services formed a union to create a strategic, shared strategic vision. 121 00:15:27,880 --> 00:15:33,820 From this. The Archives sector is developing approaches that bring archivists and senior managers together, 122 00:15:34,210 --> 00:15:38,890 identifying how collective resources can help realise new opportunities. 123 00:15:40,760 --> 00:15:44,329 Other successful networks have been established and with our support, 124 00:15:44,330 --> 00:15:52,850 they focus on core priorities such as income generation, audience development, volunteering and tourism. 125 00:15:54,410 --> 00:16:01,190 Essentially, all archives and libraries need to think hard about a shift to a broader funding base. 126 00:16:01,190 --> 00:16:08,840 And we are here to help make this happen by providing practical ways to source the best place, tools and skills. 127 00:16:10,190 --> 00:16:20,179 For example, the three year giving value program supports archives and developing a full suite of skills through training programs and guidance. 128 00:16:20,180 --> 00:16:25,760 A major investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund was secured to develop the program. 129 00:16:27,690 --> 00:16:32,999 A Breakthrough Traineeship program opening up archive was aimed at giving people from 130 00:16:33,000 --> 00:16:38,370 non-traditional backgrounds opportunities to become the next generation of archivists. 131 00:16:38,880 --> 00:16:47,220 Its successor, Transforming Archives, developed in collaboration with archive organisations across the country, started last summer. 132 00:16:49,020 --> 00:16:55,500 Our support for the archive sector is also based on the main principles set out in the Archives Sector Accreditation Scheme. 133 00:16:56,010 --> 00:17:02,910 The scheme defines good practice and identifies agreed standards, encouraging and supporting development. 134 00:17:03,660 --> 00:17:09,270 It was developed in collaboration with museums, libraries and Archives Wales, 135 00:17:09,540 --> 00:17:16,740 the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the Scottish Council on Archives, the National Records of Scotland. 136 00:17:17,040 --> 00:17:27,210 And they are a. The scheme's success is largely due to the commitment from archives services in finding ways to sustain their services. 137 00:17:27,570 --> 00:17:34,950 So far, 32 Archive Services have obtained Archive Services accreditation by 2017. 138 00:17:35,220 --> 00:17:38,910 We aim to see this number rise to 200. 139 00:17:40,470 --> 00:17:50,430 What underpins all of this is better collaboration and partnerships helping to solve problems and create opportunities. 140 00:17:52,420 --> 00:18:00,729 The hugely successful Discovering Collections Discovery Communities Conference run jointly by the National Archives and Research Libraries, 141 00:18:00,730 --> 00:18:04,840 UK brings together delegates from across the heritage, 142 00:18:05,080 --> 00:18:16,300 cultural and academic sectors to explore the contributions that archivists can make to research held last year at the University of Birmingham. 143 00:18:16,690 --> 00:18:21,610 This year's conference has had to move to a larger venue in Manchester to cope with 144 00:18:21,610 --> 00:18:27,519 the demands and will look at the varied and innovative ways in which the heritage, 145 00:18:27,520 --> 00:18:32,950 cultural and academic sectors can engage with audiences in the digital age. 146 00:18:34,510 --> 00:18:38,500 42 universities are being represented at this year's conference. 147 00:18:38,950 --> 00:18:48,010 And this year we will welcome key sponsors, those such as the British Library, the Wellcome Trust and Jyske. 148 00:18:49,800 --> 00:18:54,110 A new program for higher education archives has also just started. 149 00:18:54,120 --> 00:19:00,420 The Higher Education Archives program developed in consultation with university archivists. 150 00:19:00,960 --> 00:19:05,580 It aims to establish a mutual support network for these archives. 151 00:19:05,790 --> 00:19:17,340 The program, key pieces of work have already been identified to tackle as already identified key pieces of work to tackle over the next few years, 152 00:19:17,640 --> 00:19:27,720 including research into citation capture, collaborative research and tailored archives service accreditation workshops. 153 00:19:30,010 --> 00:19:37,750 The archive sector is exploring plans to look at strategic collecting across higher education archives and the wider sector. 154 00:19:37,930 --> 00:19:40,960 Who collects what? Where are the risks and gaps? 155 00:19:41,470 --> 00:19:42,940 What are the opportunities? 156 00:19:44,200 --> 00:19:51,640 You can learn more about these initiatives from our website or at the next Discovering Collections Discovering Communities Conference. 157 00:19:53,050 --> 00:20:02,080 I mentioned earlier that the most significant challenge and opportunity facing archives across the world are those presented by the digital era. 158 00:20:03,460 --> 00:20:06,670 Digital technology has changed forever. 159 00:20:06,670 --> 00:20:15,190 What it means to be an archive and digital preservation is a massive challenge, but one that we are hugely excited about. 160 00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:26,590 Earlier this year, Vint Cerf, currently Google vice president, expressed his concerns that digital records may not be readable in years to come. 161 00:20:27,880 --> 00:20:34,840 He reflected on the software and hardware used to store digital information growing obsolete over time, 162 00:20:35,140 --> 00:20:38,830 observing that backwards compatibility is not always guaranteed. 163 00:20:39,880 --> 00:20:47,860 He argued that the same applies to official information political, legal, historical and scientific data, 164 00:20:47,860 --> 00:20:54,370 suggesting that we may be entering a digital dark age and risk losing this information forever. 165 00:20:55,330 --> 00:20:59,470 There is no doubt that managing digital information can be difficult. 166 00:21:00,370 --> 00:21:05,079 It is a challenge that we at the National Archives have been working on for 167 00:21:05,080 --> 00:21:09,520 the last two decades and will probably be working on for the next two years. 168 00:21:10,150 --> 00:21:19,240 However, as our chief executive said in response to Vint Cerf, ultimately the role of archives everywhere is to collect, 169 00:21:19,600 --> 00:21:24,550 preserve and provide access to information in whatever format it comes. 170 00:21:26,570 --> 00:21:32,870 The National Archives continues to respond to those changes in ways that benefit our key audiences, 171 00:21:32,870 --> 00:21:39,890 those working in archives across the UK, the public, academic, researchers and government. 172 00:21:41,960 --> 00:21:50,690 On the 1st of April 2015, we started a new four year journey with an audience focussed strategic priorities. 173 00:21:51,560 --> 00:21:56,810 The archives sector and the academic academic sector are two of our key priorities. 174 00:21:57,230 --> 00:22:03,230 The challenges and opportunities of digital are the very core of the new strategy. 175 00:22:04,430 --> 00:22:09,440 Digital underpins everything we do from creation to presentation, 176 00:22:10,490 --> 00:22:18,740 and the principles of partnership and collaboration run right through our plans because we know that we can achieve much more, 177 00:22:18,950 --> 00:22:22,730 have more influence, and do better work together that way. 178 00:22:25,330 --> 00:22:31,910 Our focus over the last few years has been on Discovery, our online catalogue, which has been China, 179 00:22:32,050 --> 00:22:41,710 which has been transformed into the single point of access to over 10 million descriptions of records in other archives across the country. 180 00:22:43,240 --> 00:22:52,420 In Total Discovery now holds over 32 million records at the National Archives and across the sector. 181 00:22:54,340 --> 00:22:59,139 These enhancements have been achieved in collaboration with the sector who told us that 182 00:22:59,140 --> 00:23:04,720 they wanted to make their records more accessible in one comprehensive and cohesive way. 183 00:23:06,190 --> 00:23:16,720 Prior to this and prior to this information about archive collections was available in a number of disconnected systems such as the National Record, 184 00:23:16,930 --> 00:23:24,730 National Register of Archives, Directory of Archives, Access to Archives and the Memorial Documents Register. 185 00:23:26,170 --> 00:23:37,810 By adding this information into discovery. We have co-created an initiative and user friendly online point of access to a host of archival resources. 186 00:23:38,920 --> 00:23:43,000 For the first time, users can search across collections around the country, 187 00:23:43,570 --> 00:23:50,140 enhancing collaboration and surfacing links that weren't visible in the past. 188 00:23:51,870 --> 00:23:55,829 We are looking to share our experience and knowledge of shared network development about 189 00:23:55,830 --> 00:24:02,730 discovery with libraries via the Leadership for Libraries Task Force alongside Discovery. 190 00:24:02,820 --> 00:24:05,940 We are also working hard on digital preservation. 191 00:24:06,150 --> 00:24:13,090 And last month an exciting milestone was reached as as part of our digital transfer project. 192 00:24:13,110 --> 00:24:21,600 The first born digital records was successfully transferred to us from a government department and are now available in discovery. 193 00:24:23,100 --> 00:24:30,810 Our digital records infrastructure already handles and securely stores digitised material. 194 00:24:31,290 --> 00:24:42,779 Now we have demonstrated that we can hold. Records have been natively created in a digital formats emails, images and videos. 195 00:24:42,780 --> 00:24:49,590 For example, using a process developed to cope with digital records transfer at scale. 196 00:24:51,750 --> 00:24:57,690 This work marks the start of what is possible in finding improved and fluid 197 00:24:57,690 --> 00:25:03,030 ways to make archival collections accessible to the world for the long term. 198 00:25:05,010 --> 00:25:19,560 Archives of all kinds hold the potential to contribute even further to democracy, accountability, social policy, education, history and culture. 199 00:25:20,810 --> 00:25:26,930 The sector is increasingly diverse and frequently crosses the border, fusing archives, 200 00:25:27,170 --> 00:25:34,400 libraries and higher education institutions together in exciting, new and innovative ways. 201 00:25:36,170 --> 00:25:43,639 The people who work within these sectors are specialists, but they recognise that the sector needs to develop new skills, 202 00:25:43,640 --> 00:25:49,070 especially digital skills, to cope with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 203 00:25:50,720 --> 00:25:53,720 Only by working together will we be able to succeed. 204 00:25:54,380 --> 00:26:03,380 Partnership and collaboration is key. And by joining forces, we will not only sustain this incredibly rich, important national collection, 205 00:26:03,890 --> 00:26:14,210 but also meet our aspirations and ambitions to grow and develop our collections and services for the benefit of our audiences now and in the future. 206 00:26:14,780 --> 00:26:15,170 Thank you.