Conference 2008 Proof Positive: how archives can make better use of data and research evidence
Proof Positive: how archives can make better use of data and research evidence – the 2008 NCA Conference
17th July, The Birmingham and Midland Institute, Birmingham – free of charge
A great deal of data is collected by archive services across the UK, from the annual CIPFA returns for local authorities to the National Visitors Survey. Increasingly, national research data such as Taking Part is also available as well as more general governmental resources from bodies such as the Office for National Statistics. But how can we make the best use of it? It is sometimes said that archivists and statistics are not happy partners but there are equally many examples where individual archives have made positive use of research data to defend and strengthen their services and demonstrate how they contribute to wider agendas. The use of evidence that is recognised by non-archival bodies is particularly important here.
The National Council on Archives has organised this conference with the support of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council to share examples of good practice and provide practical workshops for the experienced and beginner alike.
The Programme
Morning Presentations
Archives and the need for evidence of value - Roy Clare, Chief Executive MLA
Evidence for advocacy to government and policy-makers – Ed Vaizey MP Conservative Shadow Culture Minister
How archives can develop evidence to respond to wider policy agendas - Geoff Pick, Vice Chair, NCA
Using evidence within the local government context - Philip MInd, Cultural Policy Adviser, Local Government Association
Afternoon Presentations
Workshop options
1 Children & Young People
This session will discuss the ‘Children & Young People’ agenda, in particular looking at the MLA schools participation database and ‘Every Child Matters’. With Nicky Morgan (Museums, Libraries and Archives Council) and Fiona Davison (London Hub).
2 Safer & Stronger Communities
This session will discuss the ‘Safer & Stronger Communities’ agenda, in particular looking how to use evidence from The National Archives self-assessment and inspection reports, and using the ‘Revisiting Archives Collections’ methodology. With Laura Robertson (Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies) and Jon Newman (Consultant on Revisiting Archive collections project)
3 Economic Development and Environment
This session will discuss the ‘Economic Development and Environment’ agenda, in particular looking at the Community Archive Wales project and MLA North East’s work on role of archives in tourism. With Kim Collis (West Glamorgan Record Office) and Anna Siddall (MLA North East)
4 Healthier communities and older people
This session will discuss the ‘Healthier communities and older people’ agenda, in particular looking how to use evidence on London Metropolitan Archives’ inter-generational work and looking at Surrey History Centre's award-winning project with MIND. With Maureen Roberts (London Metropolitan Archives) and Julian Pooley (Surrey History Centre)
MLA research and evaluation database – Javier Stanziola, Head of Research MLA
