UCD School of History & Archives

Prospectus for MA in Archives and Records Management 2015/16

Students on a visit to the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland

The M.A. (Archives and Records Management) is the only professionally accredited course of its kind in Ireland. Its main objective is to provide a recognised qualification for those wishing to work as archivists in archives services and as records managers in organisations which require professional expertise in corporate record services. It can be taken on a full or part-time basis.

This prospectus is divided into three parts:

1. MA Archives and Records Management – objectives, structure, 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 Jennifer O’Reilly e. jennifer.oreilly@ucd.ie (subject header: MA Archives and Records Management) or t. 353 1 716 7549

1. MA Archives and Records Management – objectives, structure, and syllabus 1.1 Objectives The M.A. Archives and Records Management programme is committed to the following objectives:

to educate those wishing to work as archivists and records managers in archives services and in organisations which require professional expertise in corporate record services;

to educate archivists and records managers who will be able to contribute to the expansion of the record keeping profession in Ireland by establishing and managing new archives services and new corporate record services;

to create a sustainable environment for research and exploration in archival science and records management;

to educate archivists and records managers who will be able to meet the challenges posed by technology, who will be capable of working with records and archives in a variety of media and who will be able to address the demands of their capture, use and retention;

to educate records professionals who will aspire to high standards and who will observe codes of professional conduct and relevant laws;

to educate archivists capable of recognising gaps in collective memory, of developing inclusive collecting policies and of implementing ways of reconstructing or supplementing archival sources;

to provide education which balances and integrates both theoretical and practical elements in the course syllabus;

to provide education which addresses as wide a range of professional issues and subjects as possible;

to provide education which is intellectually stimulating, professionally relevant and client orientated;

to provide opportunities for skills enhancement and competency development;

to provide education which rewards students with a recognised qualification and depth of professional understanding;

to provide education in which all the core modules and many optional modules will be relevant to archivists and records managers working in any country and not just to those working in Ireland;

to provide education which will ensure that the future of recordkeeping in Ireland is broadly based and not restricted by any narrow perspective or tradition;

to develop collaborative synergies in the education of recordkeepers in UCD by exploiting its many resources which will enhance their education;

to utilise the syllabus of the MA (Archives and Records Management) programme in support of the university’s strategy of module availability by opening up select subjects to students of history and to students in other schools and colleges.

1.2 Structure 1.2.1 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.

1.2.2 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 M.A. (Archives and Records Management), a number are also open to other students in the School of History and Archives 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 Archives and the School of Information and Library Studies.

MA

Archives and

Records

Management

(90 credits)

7 core modules

(50 credits)

2 optional modules

(10 credits)

Dissertation

(30 credits)

1.2.3 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. 1.2.4 Dissertation A dissertation consisting of a minimum of 10,000 words completes the educational process. This allows students to develop research skills and refine their professionalism in a given area. It may also lead to further research driven endeavours in their careers. The dissertation topic is based largely on core and optional module subjects. 1.2.5 Voluntary placement Each student is encouraged to undertake one placement during the academic session. It is recommended that the archives service selected for the placement is located outside of Ireland. Its choice 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 and Archives) 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: This module focuses on the nature of archival research and the development of archival theory. It explores how to design archives and records management research, providing practical guidance on how to identify a topic suitable for a postgraduate thesis. The module provides guidance on how to find and synthesize literature relevant to your research topic and how to deal with the issue of research ethics. It outlines the range of methods and techniques that can be used to conduct research and introduces students to the components of a dissertation. The module provides an overview of the changing nature of writing about archives and records, investigating in particular the theoretical response of the profession to the challenges posed by the development of postmodernist discourse and digital and electronic records. 1.3.1.2 Archives sustainability and preservation management (School of History and Archives) Aim: To develop a high level of competency in aspects of preservation and preservation management, to identify preservation threats and to implement solutions, to make informed choices about preventive preservation strategies and to understand global and national issues which affect preservation. Scope: This module addresses the preservation of archives both in traditional formats and in digital formats, beginning with the configuration and characteristics of traditional archive materials, the implications for their long term preservation, and the key threats they face. In addition to considering the importance of appropriate buildings, storage and equipment, the module also emphasises the centrality of effective preservation management in facilitating

archives sustainability, including issues such as emergency planning. Beyond the individual repository, the module also considers the wider national and international preservation picture, from global threats to the preservation of the world’s cultural and documentary heritage, to the need for policies, laws, and funding from national governments in support of preservation activities. The module also introduces students to the field of digital preservation, considering the challenges posed by digital formats and the development of various responses, including the role of trusted digital repositories. 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 and Archives) 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: This module introduces students to the theory and practice of archival representation. It focuses on the production of finding aids, the fundamental means by which archivists establish physical and intellectual control over collections. The module introduces a method for describing and arranging archival collections in line with current international standards, in particular ISAD(G). The role of authority control in archival representation is also investigated with reference to ISAAR (cpf). The module examines the increasing role of technology in supporting collection management and in enhancing the accessibility of the finding aid network. It provides students with the opportunity to use archival cataloguing software and introduces the principles of Encoded Archival Description.

1.3.1.4 Deciding what to keep: appraising and acquiring archives (School of History and Archives) Aim: To develop a high level of competency in understanding appraisal theory, in forming collecting policies, in implementing acquisition and appraisal programmes. Deciding the content of the archives of the future is a fundamental part of the archivist’s work. This module explores the approaches which have been adopted to appraising and acquiring archives. It explores the theoretical background to the appraisal theories of Schellenberg, Samuels, Booms, Grigg, Cook and others, and examines the practical steps involved in the process of appraisal and acquisition of analogue and digital material.

1.3.1.5 Archives and their users: advocacy and the archival gateway (School of History and Archives) Aim: To develop a high level of competency in stimulating public awareness of archives, in providing services for those who use archives and in enhancing and widening access to archive collections. Scope: This module focuses on how archives are used and how the archivist engages with this process through the provision of access to archive collections and proactive outreach activities. It examines the main ways in which archives are used and experienced in the research room, through physical and virtual exhibitions, websites and social media, as well as activities aimed at specific groups such as school children. The module considers the impact of new technologies in transforming the ways in which archives can be communicated to, and enjoyed by, a wider audience, in particular through the role of digitisation projects. The module also considers the evolving dynamic between archivist and user, in particular the role of the archives in community engagement, introducing ideas around community archives, user-generated content and the role of volunteers. It highlights

the need for policies and standards 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 Public and Private Corporate Records: Management, Keeping and Accountability (School of History and Archives) Aims: To understand and communicate the significance of records at individual, organisational and societal level, with a focus on the role of records as corporate assets in public and private organisations; to define and communicate the purpose, nature and scope of records management; to identify and assess relevant theories, laws and standards; to implement effective records management strategies in organisations; and to understand changes in the theory and practice of the discipline. Scope: This module addresses the purpose and scope and of records management and the challenges it faces as a discipline within the wider information governance framework of the 21st century. 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 design and implementation of record systems and their functional requirements, standards driven policy, and the implementation of effective retention strategies. Other features addressed in this module include business continuity practices and the role of records management in wider risk management strategies. Throughout the module there is emphasis on the need for records management to be responsive to changes in work culture, user attitudes and technology trends in the corporate environment, with particular emphasis on the impact of Web 2.0 and cloud computing on records management theory and practice. The module also includes consideration of the role of corporate archives and their value to the business world, in particular in relation to ideas around corporate social responsibility. Another component of the module is the examination of accountability issues centring on records and recordkeeping, including consideration of local and global case studies.

1.3.1.7 Perspectives on Practice (School of History and Archives) 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 voluntary 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 Audio-visual and non-textual archives (School of History and Archives) Aim: To develop competency in managing non-textual archives and an understanding of the accompanying theoretical and ethical perspectives. Scope: This module introduces students to a range of non-textual archives which are common to archive collections, in particular cartographic, photographic, sound, and film. These formats can be inherently complex, vulnerable to deterioration and demanding to manage. In each case, the transition from analogue to digital is considered, in particular the impact not only on the medium itself, but the resultant implications for their management as archives. The module considers each format and current best practice in preservation and management. As well as becoming familiar with the practical management of non-textual archives, the module also introduces students to some of the theoretical perspectives surrounding non-textual archives, including consideration of the archivist’s visual literacy. How important is original format? Is the medium at least part of the message? What are the implications when it becomes necessary to convert or migrate formats for purposes of preservation or access? An integral part of the module will be site visits to archive repositories specialising in these media. .

1.3.2. 2 Introductory Latin (School of History and Archives) 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 and Archives) 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. 1.3.2.4 Weaving the Web (School of Information and Library Studies) Aims: On completion of this module students should be able to: Discuss the technical structure of the Internet and the basic applications used in the Internet environment; Explain the impact of the Internet and the World Wide Web on information creation, transfer and access; Critically discuss the technical problems and solutions raised by the Internet regarding social and political issues such as political participation and social exclusion, privacy, censorship, security and encryption, personal identity; Understand the current transition of Internet to social computing and Web 2.0 and the social and information implications of this transition

Scope: This module covers Internet technical infrastructure and applications (e.g., tcp/ip, name servers, telnet, ftp, electronic mail); growth in access and use of the Internet; description of the World Wide Web, its development and related technological changes, and current developments in social computing and Web 2.0. It provides a framework for understanding Internet-driven changes in information publication, dissemination and access. The social challenge of the Internet is discussed from a technical perspective: digital exclusion and political participation, pornography, censorship and content control, privacy and encryption, digital identity and authentication.

1.3.2.5 Digital Libraries (School of Information and Library Studies) 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 Library Studies) 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 although graduates of other faculties and disciplines such as law, life and human sciences have also taken the programme. 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

A recognised qualification in English language proficiency where applicable. 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,

computer and other relevant skills,

motivation. 2.1.3 Experience Pre-course experience in an archives or records service is essential. Experience is particularly important for those seeking a career change and for those whose experience of archives, while extensive, has been dictated by the research use of archives. However the experience must inform an applicant’s ideas and should not just consist of perfunctory attendance. 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.

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 and Archives. Applicants must fill out and complete the form entitled ‘Application Form Step 2’

and submit it by post to the School of History and Archives.

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 http://www.ucd.ie/historyarchives/graduateprogrammes/maprogrammes/schofha_ma_archives/

Applicants may be called for interview as part of the selection procedure.

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 2015/16 course of 1 pm on Friday 6 March 2015. 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 1 716 7549

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 M.A. (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. Expenses may also be incurred in the preparation of essay and assignment work.

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 July. 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 July. Degrees are usually conferred in the month of December. Successful completion of the M.A. (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 and Archives 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 M.A. 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/.