1. An archives and records management research network (ARMReN) for the UK: plans, activities and prospects
Dr Elizabeth Shepherd
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
University College London
Society of Archivists Conference, Lancaster, 5-8 September 2006

2. Practice versus research
Terry Cook (University of Manitoba, Canada):
discipline v profession
theory v practice
education v training
new digital recordkeeping approaches v traditional cultural heritage priorities
Sarah McNicol quoting Booth:
‘research-practice gap’

3. The role of research
builds theories and models as frameworks for practice
develops knowledge base, understanding of profession’s ethos and societal role
promotes critical enquiry and analysis, allows sophisticated articulation of concepts
facilitates standardisation, planning & evaluation
examines policy development & execution
practitioner research

4. How does research fit into graduate education for archivists and records managers?
Professional qualifications:
develop professional skills and knowledge
underpinned by history and theory
critical enquiry?
Research methods courses; requirement for Masters thesis

5. UK Context
Scholarly research community for archives and records management: c12 people at 6 universities
Forum for Archives and Records Management Education and Research (FARMER), 1999
North West European Archival Educators Forum
PhD students in archives and records management conference, Liverpool, 2005

6. Framework for sustainability in research
A shared understanding
Setting strategic research priorities
Funding streams
Critical mass
Research collaboration
Identifying gaps and building depth
Improved dissemination

7. Mapping the Research Landscape (British Academy research grant)
Aims to improve the quality and quantity of academic research in archives and records management by creating a map of the research landscape for the discipline in the UK.
Research objectives:
Identify research projects in the discipline in the UK,
Identify areas of professional practice with research potential
Assess areas of weakness & success
Propose future research priorities as the basis for a UK research agenda

8. Archives and Records Management Research Network (ARMReN) Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC),
What is ARMReN for?
help develop research in the discipline of archives and records management
link academics in archives and records management with researchers who use archives and professionals who manage records
collect and disseminate information about research
foster the development of new academic researchers in the discipline
act as a central point for the exchange of ideas
encourage new collaborative partnerships (UK, Europe, internationally)

9. Archives and Records Management Research Network (ARMReN)
What will ARMReN do?
create a website with an electronic forum and information resource
organise three one-day research workshops: Access and impact; Appraisal and collecting; Description
run two ‘Archives and History’ seminars at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London
disseminate results through conference papers and a journal article

10. How can I contact ARMReN?
See the web site at:
Or contact the PrincipaI Investigator:
Dr Elizabeth Shepherd
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
University College London
Gower Street
London WC1E 6BT tel: fax:

11. An archives and records management research network (ARMReN) for the UK: plans, activities and prospects
Dr Elizabeth Shepherd
School of Library, Archive and Information Studies
University College London
Society of Archivists Conference, Lancaster, 5-8 September 2006