UCD School of History

Prospectus for MA Archives and Records Management 2017/18

Students on a visit to Marsh’s Library, Spring 2016 The MA Archives and Records Management in the School of History is an exciting degree which qualifies students to manage a range of records and archives from medieval manuscripts to born digital records. The MA programme equips students with the skills to practically care for and provide access to the historic and future memory contained in records. It also provides students with a strong theoretical foundation in the discipline, underpinning their practical knowledge with an understanding of the ethical and legal role of the contemporary record keeper.

UCD has been the home of education and training for archivists and records managers in Ireland for over 40 years. The strong relationships established between the School of History in UCD and contemporary practitioners, professional bodies, and national and local repositories ensures that full-time and part-time MA students are involved in a range of collaborative workshops, projects and seminars throughout their training. Modules on the programme are taught by academics with active research interests in archivistics, who combine professional training and experience as record-keepers with a strong academic record. The MA Archives and Records Management programme in UCD has long-standing professional accreditation by the Archives and Records Association. This accreditation ensures that this qualification is recognized globally as being of a high standard. Graduates from the programme are currently working in Ireland, the UK, Europe, Africa, North America, Australia and New Zealand. This prospectus is divided into three parts:

1. MA Archives and Records Management – vision and value statement, learning outcomes, structure and syllabus 2. MA Archives and Records Management – entry requirements, procedures, fees, accommodation and participation 3. General information on a career in archives and records management

It is accompanied by a copy of the step 2 application form. If you have inquiries please contact Dr Elizabeth Mullins e. elizabeth.mullins@ucd.ie (subject header: MA Archives and Records Management) or t. 353 1 716 7544 or Jennifer O’Reilly e. jennifer.oreilly@ucd.ie or t. 353 1 716 7549.

1. MA Archives and Records Management – vision and value statement, learning outcomes, structure, and syllabus 1.1 Vision and Value The MA Archives and Records Management programme is aimed at graduates who wish to acquire the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enable them to ethically manage records and archives in all formats, and to select, curate and ensure access to the historic and future memory they contain. The programme is based on the conception of the record-keeper as a reflective professional, who is informed in terms of adherence to international best practice, creative in the delivery of services, sensitive to cultural difference, and dynamic in relation to technological change. The programme’s learning environment comprises lectures, seminars, field trips, practitioner visits and work placements. Onsite facilities allow students to gain practical experience of archival preservation, processing and digitization, often working in collaboration with external archival repositories. Teaching, learning and assessment is based on enabling students to complete assignments, both individually and in groups, which practically simulate the work of the professional record-keeper. An engagement with the theory behind contemporary practice is encouraged through presentations, essays and a minor research dissertation. 1.2 Learning Outcomes On completion of the MA Archives and Records Management Programme students should be able to:

Demonstrate a thorough grounding in and knowledge of the principles underlying

the theory and practice of the care and management of archives and records in all

formats;

Understand the specific historic, administrative and legal context of records and

archives, and the relevance to these of national and international legislative provision

and standards;

Engage critically with current research trends and methodologies in archives and

records management and appreciate their relevance to the workplace;

Autonomously apply the skills of the archivist and records manager in a variety of

working environments;

Actively embrace the ethical and cultural responsibilities of the professional record

keeper;

Assume responsibility for their professional career progression including the

acquisition of new skills and the development of their leadership and management

potential;

Identify with the national and international community of archivists and records

managers.

1.3 Structure 1.3.1 The MA consists of 9 taught modules each of which is worth 5 or 10 credits and a dissertation worth 30 credits. 7 core modules amounting to 50 credits are mandatory. 2 optional modules amounting to 10 credits are taken from a choice of 4- 6. In special circumstances students may substitute a cognate elective module for one of their optional modules.

1.3.2 Core and optional modules The 7 core modules, which form the basis of the syllabus, provide students with the fundamental knowledge, competencies and skills relevant to a career in archives and records management. The 2 optional modules which are taken from a choice of four-six broaden the knowledge base of students and their educational experience. They can also develop and enhance professional skills in Latin and palaeography.

Although some modules are available only to those taking the MA Archives and Records Management, a number are also open to other students in the School of History and to students in other schools and colleges within the university. All modules will be examined by course work and/or class tests. They will be taught in a mix of lectures, seminars and site visits. Details of the various modules are contained in the section 1.3. Optional modules vary from one year to the next and are provided by staff in both the School of History and the School of Information and Communication. 1.3.3 Elective module In certain circumstances an elective module may be substituted for an optional one. However the elective must be in a cognate subject relevant to the work of the archivist and skill or competency enhancing. It should be in area such as business management, law, technology, digital preservation or digital publishing. 1.3.4 Dissertation A dissertation consisting of a minimum of 10,000 words completes the programme. This allows students to develop research skills and refine their professionalism in a given area. It

MA

Archives and

Records

Management

(90 credits)

7 core modules

(50 credits)

2 optional modules

(10 credits)

Dissertation

(30 credits)

may also lead to further research driven endeavours in their careers. The dissertation topic is based largely on core and optional module subjects. 1.3.5 Placement Each student is required to undertake one placement during the academic session. Students are assisted with identifying a service where they would like to work and with organizing the placement process in line with UCD’s internship and placement policies. Students are encouraged to select an archives service outside Ireland, if possible, and the choice of placement destination must be approved by the School.

1.3 Syllabus 1.3.1 Core modules

1.3.1.1 Archival science: theory and research methodology (School of History) Aim: To become familiar with the methods of conducting archival research, to develop critical awareness of the key influences in the evolution and nature of contemporary archival theory and practice, and to gain an understanding of the importance of theoretical debate to the development of the profession. Scope: The ability to reflect on the key theoretical ideas which have informed the discipline of archivistics and to apply these ideas in a research project is a vital element of the training of the contemporary records professional. This module introduces students to the ways that archives and records have been thought about in the past and then moves to examine the leading contemporary theorists of archives, investigating in particular the theoretical response of the profession to the challenges posed by the development of postmodernist discourse and of the digital environment. Using the discipline’s own research trajectory as a framework, the module explores how to design archives and records management research, providing practical assistance on the steps involved in writing a postgraduate thesis. 1.3.1.2 Archives sustainability and preservation management (School of History) Aim: To develop a high level of competency in aspects of preservation and preservation management for traditional and digital collections, to identify preservation threats and to implement solutions, and to make informed choices about preservation strategies. Scope: The module addresses the preservation of traditional analogue materials – archives and manuscripts, bound volumes, maps, photographs, moving image and sound recordings – with an emphasis on preventive and sustainable approaches. It equips students with an awareness of the configuration and characteristics of these formats, what these mean for their preservation, and the key threats they face. The module introduces students to the wide range of activities within a preservation programme, emphasising the need for effective planning of preservation activities, including the development of a preservation policy. The module also considers the preservation of digital materials, introducing students to the development of thinking on digital preservation and the role of models and standards in framing digital preservation activities. By examining the strategies undertaken by archive services, students will develop an understanding of practical approaches to digital preservation including digital preservation software options. Cross-institutional and cross-

disciplinary collaboration are emphasised as a key theme in preservation strategies in the digital era. 1.3.1.3 Archival representation (School of History) Aim: To develop a high level of competency and critical ability in processing collections of archives of various age and provenance including automated and web enabled finding aids. Scope: One of the key tasks of the archivist is to create a series of finding aids to allow for the professional management of archives and for their discovery by users. This module introduces students to the theory and practice of archival representation, the way in which the archivist establishes physical and intellectual control over collections. It provides a practical introduction to the method for describing and arranging traditional textual archives in line with current Irish and international standards, in particular the International Standard for Archival Description (General) and Encoded Archival Description. The module explores the applicability of ISAD(G) / EAD to the representation of born digital archives. It examines the description and arrangement of non-textual material such as photographs, maps, sound recordings and film. In doing this, the module situates the key standards for archival description in the context of the broader metadata environment and introduces a range of other relevant descriptive standards. The module explores ways of maximizing the discovery of archives, particularly focusing on the role of indexing and the creation of archival authority records in line with the International Standard for Archival Authority Records. It introduces the software options available for cataloguing archival collections, covering proprietary and open source systems such as CALM, Adlib, ICA Atom.

1.3.1.4 Deciding what to keep: appraising and acquiring archives (School of History) Aim: Demonstrate familiarity with the theoretical framework for carrying out the appraisal and acquisition of archives; Critically assess the nature, purpose and application of a range of appraisal strategies; Formulate and implement effective and inclusive collecting policies and acquisition procedures; Design collection deposit and accessioning protocols for paper and digital material. . One of the most challenging and arguably most significant tasks of the archivist is managing the process of deciding what records are of continuing value and warrant preservation in archives. This module begins with a broad discussion of the ideas of collective memory and archival inclusiveness, addressing the issues of whose records should be preserved and the relationship of professional archivists to other collectors of records, particularly to community archives. The module then focuses on the strategies the profession has devised to appraise records, covering use based and societal approaches, documentation strategies, macroappraisal and functional analysis. Taking a case study approach, the module examines the practical application of these strategies to both public and private records and explores their continued applicability to the appraisal of digital material. The module introduces the frameworks the profession uses to facilitate the acquisition of archives in terms of collecting and acquisition policies and deposit agreements. It covers the practical issues that can arise when acquiring archives, discusses the role of legislation and introduces the processes of accessioning and deaccessioning collections.

1.3.1.5 Archives and their users: advocacy and the archival gateway (School of History) Aim: To develop a high level of competency in stimulating public awareness of archives, in providing services for those who use archives or for those who would benefit from their availability.

Scope: The module considers how archives are used, experienced and made available, and how the archivist engages with this process, from the provision of access to archive collections to proactive and innovative outreach activities. It examines the main ways in which archives are used and experienced: in the research room, physical and virtual exhibitions, websites, social media and educational projects. The module considers the impact of new technologies in transforming the ways in which archives can be communicated to, and enjoyed by, wider audiences. It also considers the evolving dynamic between archivist and user, with an increasing emphasis on community engagement, user participation and concepts such as the ‘citizen archivist’. It highlights the need for policies, standards and evaluation in the interaction between the archivist and the user and introduces some of the theoretical discussions around access and use, including concepts such as archival intelligence.

1.3.1.6 Managing records and information in public and private organisations (School of History) Aims: To develop understanding of the significance of records and information to organisations; to develop familiarity with the evolution of theories, concepts, laws, standards and systems that shape their management; and to critically reflect on the implications of people-driven and technology-driven change on records management theory and practice. Scope: This module considers the management of records and information, increasingly in a predominantly digital form, in public and private sector organisations. Records professionals are core participants in their management and occupy a defining role whether as records or information managers, in roles encompassing combined archival and records management responsibilities, as members of a multi-disciplinary information governance team, or in a consultancy role. Whilst the module considers the management of records and information, it addresses the defining characteristics of records, the scope of records management as a discipline and as a profession, and the challenges it faces. It addresses the principal issues which impact on the management and keeping of records, the theories, laws and standards which underpin these processes, the nature of records, the development of effective recordkeeping initiatives and the implementation of retention strategies. The module also considers the value of records management to wider organisational governance, including risk management strategies. Throughout the module there is emphasis on the need for records professionals to be cognizant of (and responsive to) the key factors which significantly shape records and information creation and management, including people, organisational cultures, information cultures and technology trends in the workplace. The module also considers the role of records as key components of accountability and addresses the deliberate destruction of records, manipulation in recordkeeping, as well as negligent or inadequate recordkeeping, and the resulting threats to individuals and society. 1.3.1.7 Perspectives on Practice (School of History) Aims: To critically reflect on the application of archival and records management theory to a range of practical areas; to comparatively assess the status of Irish archives in relation to those in the UK / North America; understand the experience of working as part of a team and as a sole operator in an archives or records management context; Appreciate the difficulties of managing and resourcing archives and records management services. Scope: This module provides students with the opportunity to practically experience working as a records professional. While its components vary from one year to the next, it

may include working as part of a group to list a fonds from the private collections of the National Archives, Ireland; a one or two week work placement in an archives or records management service, usually in the United Kingdom; a series of lectures from practitioners and other archival stakeholders relating to ethics, the strategic management and funding of archives and records management services, and the history of archives. The module aims to enhance and deepen students' understanding of many of the theoretical aspects of archival and records management work and allow them make connections with the broader professional community.

1.3.2 Optional modules 1.3.2. 1 Digitising archive collections (School of History) Aim: To develop competency in the issues and processes involved in the digitisation of archival materials through knowledge of best practice standards and practical experience. Scope: Digitising collections is a central aspect of the work of archivists in enhancing access to collections, fulfilling outreach strategies and in facilitating the long term preservation of analogue collections. This module equips students with an awareness of the opportunities and challenges of digitisation, alongside an understanding of the planning and implementation of digitisation projects based on best practice and case studies. Recognising digitisation as a significant investment of time and resources, the module examines the process from the early planning stages, through to making digitised materials available and ensuring their ongoing management and accessibility. Issues addressed include funding, selecting materials to be digitised, the management of risks such as copyright, practical issues involved in the digitisation process itself, and the potential ways in which digitised content can be used. Beginning with a consideration of the theory, principles and knowledge underpinning best practice digitisation, students have the opportunity to apply what they have learnt and to gain practical, hands-on experience of digitising their own material. .

1.3.2. 2 Introductory Latin (School of History) Aim: To develop basic competency in reading and translating Latin. Scope: The increasing significance of religious archives and the decline in proficiency in Latin among the users of all archives, religious and secular, has led in recent years to an increased demand for archivists with skills to deal with Latin sources. This course, based on a standard textbook, covers the principal conjugations, declensions and grammatical structures of classical Latin and provides the foundation for further independent study of the language. 1.3.2. 3 Introduction to Palaeography: Medieval and Early Modern Scripts (School of History) Aim: To develop competency in identifying transcribing and describing scripts from Roman cursive to secretary. Scope: This module provides an introduction to medieval and early modern palaeography. Using Irish manuscripts and archives as case studies, students will learn how to identify, describe and transcribe a series of medieval and early modern scripts. The module sets the development of Irish handwriting in the context of broader social and political change within Ireland and explores how Irish scripts were influenced by European scribal

traditions. In format, the module combines university seminars with a series of visits to archives to work on original material. 1.3.2.5 Digital Libraries (School of Information and Communication) Aims: On successful completion of this module students should be able to: Identify the history and current state of digital library programs and activities. Identify best practices for digitisation, data visualization, sustainability, user interfaces, sustainability, and search facilities in digital libraries. Plan a small-scale, but useful and functional, digital library. Discuss the role of librarians and information professionals in the planning, creation and management of digital libraries. Analyze and appreciate the role of digital libraries in widening access to information. Evaluate the potential and uses of new media, user-generated content, data and data repositories, and other emergent topics. Scope: Mobile technologies, new media, and pervasive computing are shifting the ways we think about digital libraries. They are no longer just "online", but offer exciting possibilities for integrating the real world and the virtual world. This module will examine the concept of digital libraries and examines the technical, managerial and social issues associated with the concept of digital libraries. Topics will include the evolution of digital libraries; their social, technical, and related dimensions; the creation and management of digital resources, including data and data repositories; and digital library services, use, and users. Students will be asked to think creatively, work collaboratively, and contribute to the state of the art in digital library development and research. 1.3.2.6 Management for Information Professionals (School of Information and Communication) Aims: On successful completion of this module students should be able to: 1. Understand theories, principles, and techniques of contemporary management science and organizational behaviour and their application to the environments in which information professionals work. 2. Demonstrate core management skills such as project planning, prioritising, and coordination; effective written and oral communication and presentation; and critical thinking and analysis. 3. Create strategies for key management activities, including contextual awareness, mission development, and stakeholder accountability; budgeting and financial management; recruiting and retaining staff; marketing and promotion; and developing, implementing, and evaluating services and programmes. 4. Think critically and reflexively about their own practice and development as emerging professionals in information environments. Scope: By choice or by chance, many information professionals find themselves in management positions in their organisations. Being able to think critically and strategically about the management of resources, people, projects, technology, and services is a quintessential skill in a range of organisational contexts. This module provides students with theoretical and practical frameworks, tools, and techniques needed to thrive in today's changing information environments. Students will be introduced to key aspects of management theory and practice, addressing topics such as: planning, prioritizing, and strategizing; team working, leadership, and change management; evidence-based practice; marketing of products, services, and projects; human resources management; fundraising and grantwriting; and stakeholder relations.

2. MA Archives and Records Management – entry requirements, application procedures, fees, accommodation and participation 2.1 Entry requirements 2.1.1 General The M.A. Archives and Records Management is a postgraduate course. Applications are generally received from arts and humanities’ graduates but graduates of other faculties and disciplines are welcomed. As the number of places on the course is limited, the allocation of places is on a competitive basis. 2.1.2 Requirements Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications

Ireland and the UK: 2nd class honours, grade I in the primary degree Canada and the USA: a primary degree with a grade point average of 3.5

Other: an internationally recognised equivalent of the above

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent.

In applying for this course applicants will have a distinct advantage if they have

a very good academic record,

relevant pre-course experience,

very good interpersonal skills and maturity of attitude,

relevant IT skills,

motivation. 2.1.3 Experience Pre-course experience in an archives or records service is strongly recommended. All applicants must be well informed about the nature of records and archives, the work of the modern archives and records service and the functions of the professional archivist and records manager. Often those intending to apply for the course seek pre-course experience by working on a voluntary basis in an archives or records management service or by availing of studentships and other funded trainee schemes which are provided by some archives services. Pre-course experience does not have to be extensive but should allow applicants to have a good understanding of the work of a professional record keeper. Experience is particularly important for those seeking a career change and for those whose experience of archives has been dictated by research use.

2.1.4 Overseas applications The programme welcomes overseas applicants. Over the years many participants have come from the UK and other European countries in addition to those from North America and Sub Saharan Africa. Overseas applicants must satisfy the same admissions’ criteria as other students but it is important to note that they should have some pre course experience of working in an archives or records services and they must satisfy a language requirement where English is not a mother language. All core courses are taught in English and their generic nature means their content is relevant to an archivist working in any country of the world. Overseas applicants should note that fees are higher for non-European Union member state citizens.

2.2 Application procedures 2.2.1 Submission of forms Step 1. Application to University College Dublin

Applicants must fill out the ‘Online Application Form’ and submit it electronically to the university with a fee. The course code is Z020.

Under separate cover they must send a certified copy of their university transcripts to the university by post (and a fee if a credit card transaction has not already been made).

This form is available at http://www.ucd.ie/apply/

Step 2. Application to the School of History.

Applicants must fill out and complete the form entitled ‘Application Form Step 2’ and submit it by post to the School of History, James Joyce Library Building, Belfield, Dublin 4.

This should be accompanied by a copy of the photograph/personal page from a passport (or birth certificate) by sealed letters of reference from two referees (one academic and one a professional archivist, or, from two academic referees) and by a certified copy of degree results.

This form can be downloaded at https://www.ucd.ie/history/study/graduateprogrammes/ma_archives/

Applicants may be called for interview as part of the selection procedure. Overseas applicants are generally interviewed either by phone or skype. 2.2.2 Closing date and help Applications to the MA programme can be made at any stage with an initial closing date for the for 2017/18 course of 1 pm on Friday 31 March 2017. Late applications will be considered after this date depending on available places. If advice on the application procedure is sought, please contact Jennifer O’Reilly at 353 1 7167549. 2.3 Fees, expenses and accommodation 2.3.1 Fees Fees vary from year to year. Details of fees are available from http://www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees/ There are no funded places on the MA Archives and Records Management course although Irish and UK local authority grants may be available to some students. Students are required to pay all expenses incurred going on site visits and during periods of professional placement.

2.3.2 Accommodation Details of accommodation in student halls of residence are available from http://www.ucd.ie/residences/ 2.4 Sessional profile The course lasts for the duration of one academic year from September to August. Course modules are taught during two fifteen week semesters starting in September and ending in April. The interval between the first and second semester and an interval during the second semester are used for the preparation of some course work and for professional placements. A dissertation, researched and written in the third semester, must be submitted in August. Degrees are usually conferred in the month of December. Successful completion of the MA Archives and Records Management demands a high level of commitment, motivation and sustained application from each participant. It also requires regular and lengthy attendance in the School of History during both teaching semesters and in semester breaks 2.5 Full and part-time participation Students taking the programme on a full time basis complete their 90 credits in one academic year. Those taking it on a part time basis complete it in two consecutive years. In the first year part-time students generally take taught modules amounting to 40-45 credits; in the second year they take taught modules amounting to 15-20 credits and complete the 30 credit dissertation. 3. General information on a career in archives and records management 3.1 The record keeping professional Archivists and records managers ensure that records which are important as evidence of administrative, corporate, cultural and intellectual activity are made, kept and used. Who are archivists and records managers? Archivists and records managers are professionals educated in the management of records and archives. Both share a distinct body of knowledge relating to records and record keeping. They work in a variety of contexts and environments in public and private sector organisations assisting the principles of good governance by contributing to corporate record services. They also work in archives services preserving cultural and corporate memory and enabling its use. Archivists are the guardians of the memory of society, specialists who ensure authentic evidence of the present and the past is captured, retained and used. They are custodians of a unique resource for those who wish to use the nation’s archival patrimony, research the past, analyse the present or assess individual and corporate accountability in the society in which we live. Both records managers and archivists work in hybrid recordkeeping environments, combining responsibility for electronic records

alongside those created in traditional analogue formats. The impact of the challenges posed by born digital records has resulted in recognition of the need for far greater cooperation between the records manager and archivist and many organisations seek individuals capable of assuming the combined responsibilities of records manager and archivist. What are records? As well as being part of the fabric of social interactions, records and the information and evidence they contain constitute one of the vital resources that any organisation needs to conduct its operations effectively. Records are reliable and authentic evidence of corporate or business activity. Without the support provided by records, organisations are unable to function, they cannot be held accountable for their actions, their decision making processes are not transparent, they are legally vulnerable and corporate and civil rights are not upheld. The management of records is now reflected in international standards such as ISO 15489, and many laws including Freedom of Information, Data Protection and Company law, demand compliance with acceptable record keeping standards. Archivists and records managers often form part of a multidisciplinary team of people whose expertise contributes to the management of records in both the public and private sectors. They are partners in implementing record keeping standards, records management programmes and business continuity practices. They are a key component in designing appraisal strategies to ensure that the corporate, collective and societal memory is served by record retention in the short, medium and long term. The work of the records professional is crucial in this new era of corporate accountability and enhanced information governance. What are archives? Archives are records of enduring value which merit long term retention. They constitute the memory of nations, organisations, communities, families and individuals. Although some archives are protected by law many are vulnerable to indiscriminate destruction, physical deterioration, fragmentation and dispersal. At present archivists are confronting the challenge of preserving archives which are in a born digital form. This necessitates radical reassessment by archivists of traditional methods of acquisition and preservation as they seek to ensure that electronic media remain authentic, accessible and comprehensible across time as technology changes and these attributes are threatened. Qualities of the record keeping professional In addition to the processes and challenges of managing current and historical records, archivists and records managers must understand the context of record creation, and the individual, organisational and societal imperatives for creating and maintaining records. They must be able to apply knowledge of international best practice and theories to the practical situations encountered in the work place in the management of records and archives. Strong communication skills are an essential attribute as each must be a persuasive advocate for the importance of records and archives, both within an organisation, and more broadly within society. An understanding of both the technologies by which records are generated and managed and of the methods by which archives are preserved and conserved is imperative. The archivist must have a sense of the past, insight into contemporary record keeping, an understanding of those institutions which entrust their archives to the custody of the archives service and an ability to protect their evidential integrity. The archivist must be

accurate and articulate in describing archives, sensitive to issues of confidentiality, alert to the potential destruction of archives, able to cope with occasionally physically demanding work and discerning about the use of archives by the public. Managerial ability to administer the archives service or corporate records service is essential, in order to secure resources in an increasingly competitive world and to market services successfully. At all times record keeping professionals must be aware of the ethical implications of what they do and work within the framework of a code of conduct. Finally archivists and records managers must support their stakeholders: society, organisations, record creators and archives users. 3.2 A career in records and archives. Employment The accredited nature of the MA means that it is an internationally recognized qualification and recent graduates are now working in parts of Europe, Africa, North America, Australia and New Zealand. In relation to Ireland, although the impact of the current recession must be accepted, there has been a buoyant job market in general for those who possess professional qualification and competencies. The main employers in recent years have been in the public sector but several consultancy companies which provide archives and records management services employ significant numbers of records professionals. Many positions to which recently qualified archivists and records managers are appointed are new. Consequently they have a substantial responsibility in setting acceptable standards of professional services and conduct. Many archives and records services often only employ one records professional and as a result that archivist or records manager often makes decisions in isolation. The MA Archives and Records Management programme strives to educate archivists and records managers who are as professionally self-sufficient as possible. In recent times they have been able to benefit from the many meetings, conferences and workshops which are organised each year in Ireland. Employers’ requirements The requirements of employers appointing archivists and records managers vary. In some cases a first or second class honours degree is considered essential. History is occasionally stipulated as a degree subject although other subjects such as literature, languages or geography may also be sought. Latin may be required for posts in archives services which preserve large quantities of medieval or ecclesiastical records. A high level of technological expertise is now essential for all posts and a current clean driving licence is sometimes a requisite. A professional qualification is mandatory for most positions and some employers also request membership of the Archives and Records Association. Employers expect archivists and records managers to be dynamic advocates of progress and to exhibit some or many of the following qualities: leadership, management and motivational ability, strategic vision, powers of persuasive communication, a customer driven focus and discretion. The Archives and Records Association (UK and Ireland) The Association, which is the principal professional association for archivists, records managers and conservators, monitors the education of archivists in the UK and Ireland through a system of accreditation. To date the MA Archives and Records Management in UCD has come through the accreditation procedure successfully. Information about the career of the archivist and records manager, avenues for professional development and the Association itself is available at http://www.archives.org.uk/ which also has useful links to sites providing details of similar courses in the United Kingdom. Participants taking the

M.A. programme will be eligible for membership of the Association, as well as for membership of the Information and Records Management Society (UK and Ireland). 3.3 Past and current Recordkeeping in Ireland. Ireland is a country with a unique manuscript heritage but with a poor archival tradition. The manuscript legacy of Ireland’s monastic foundations was a rich one which influenced the script and decoration of early medieval manuscripts. This was one of the nation’s greatest contributions to European culture. For historical reasons Ireland has a weak and relatively recent archival tradition. An archival tradition depends on the record keeping strategies of central government and on its commitment to the preservation of its own archives. The governance of Ireland from the 16th century resulted in a partial shift in the hub of record keeping from the island until after the Act of Union creating a traditional disconnect with the concept of archives. The foundation of the Public Record Office of Ireland in 1867 was a milestone in the history of Irish archives. The most important initiatives since 1922 in the Republic of Ireland were the passage of a number of laws: the National Archives Act in 1986 which places an explicit responsibility on central government to preserve its archives and Local Government Acts in 1994 and 2001 which make the preservation of local authority archives mandatory. Legislation such as Freedom of Information, Data Protection, Environmental Regulations, and a large body of company law have led many institutions to reassess their standard of record keeping practices in the interests of greater accountability and public expectation, whilst The Cultural Institutions Act 1997 has established some control for the export of archives. Nevertheless by European standards we have relatively new traditions of record keeping and archives. Those wishing to work as archivists and records managers in Ireland can help shape and influence the future of these traditions, a prospect which makes the career particularly challenging and exciting. In the last thirty years the preservation and use of archives in Ireland have become commonplace, and the impact and disclosures of various tribunals and inquiries in relation to shortcomings in public and private record keeping standards have been salutary. As a result there has been growing acceptance of the need to manage records and archives to acceptable professional standards. The situation has been enhanced by the commitment of a wide range of institutions and bodies to preserve their archives; by the establishment of a number of specialised societies which promote expertise in the management of records and archives, namely the Archives and Records Association (UK and Ireland), the Information and Records Management Society (UK and Ireland), the Irish Society for Archives and the Association of Church Archives of Ireland; by the publication of professional standards; by the availability of a skilled workforce facilitated by dedicated professional education; by the organisation of appropriately themed and collaborative conferences and workshops; by the increasing use of archives in research work, publications and in media productions; and by an increasing emphasis on good record keeping practices as a means of ensuring public confidence in corporate functioning and institutional accountability. In Ireland there are two central archives - the National Archives of Ireland in Dublin and the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland in Belfast, founded under the Public Records (Northern Ireland) Act, 1923; and three significant manuscript libraries - the National Library of Ireland, the library of the Royal Irish Academy, and the library of Trinity College Dublin. An increasing number of universities and colleges, business and commercial institutions, private organisations and corporate bodies also employ professional record

keepers in archival and records management roles. There has been great commitment to the preservation of archives by the various churches and by Roman Catholic dioceses and congregations. The growth of specialised archives services in areas such as theatre and architecture has also been significant. Many local authorities have responded to the passage of legislation by employing archivists and it must be assumed that others will do so in coming years. Archives services and corporate archives in Ireland are detailed in Seamus Helferty and Raymond Refaussé (eds.), Directory of Irish Archives (5th edition, 2011) and are also listed on the website of the Irish Region of the Archives and Records Association http://www.learnaboutarchives.ie/.