Language(s) of presentations:
Simultaneous translation:
English
French
Chinese
Bahasa Melayu
Abstract:
This session explores 3 different ways of delivering key messages about the importance of archives to the general public and key decision-makers in positions of political power. The first speaker will provide the perspective of a national archives on using specific events and activities to promote itself and archives in society. The second speaker will give an overview of a successful outreach activity conducted by a national archival association. This third speaker will give an overview of various yearly functions designed to promote both archives and archival associations.
Target audience:
Both national archivists and members of professional associations will find this session useful. Indeed individual archivists attending the Congress will be stimulated by the ideas provided in this session.
Overall purpose and significance of session:
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p>Delivering the message that archives are critical to the functioning of a modern information-based society, that they enhance and sustain cultural identities and are essential to both governments and the public has become an essential part of what archivists must do as part of their daily work. The audience for this session will be provided reasons for promoting archives and specific examples of successful promotion activities. The theoretical and practical aspects of this topic will both be provided for those who need to be persuaded and for those who already engage in this activity.</p>
Content description:
This session explores 3 different ways of delivering key messages about the importance of archives to the general public and key decision-makers in positions of political power. The National Archives of Malaysia has been been particularly successful in this regard, promoting the national archives through a long time radio program, special events and outreach activities on a regular basis. The Australian Society of Archivists recently produced a booklet entitled "Archives Matter." This publication shows how archives have an astonishingly wide variety of uses; how they ensure that the institutions driving our complex modern society are efficient and accountable; and how they ground our democracy and culture, as well as our communal and personal identities. Finally, the North American perspective on promoting archives will be provided. In particular, this part of the session will focus on archives days and celebrations employed by both archives and archival associations in promoting archives to society and key decision-makers.
I wish to extend a warm invitation to all archivists and information professionals to the 16th ICA Congress in Kuala Lumpur from 21- 27 July 2008.