08 December
The leaders of the UK's national archives met with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Archives and History earlier this week to brief them on the successes and challenges faced by the UK archive sector and to take their questions.
Oliver Morley, Chief Executive and Keeper, The National Archives was joined by his counterparts in Northern Ireland and Scotland, Aileen McClintock and George MacKenzie, in addressing the parliamentary group.
Successes and future challenges
The three leaders confirmed that the archive sector works together across national and international boundaries, sharing many challenges in a difficult financial environment and an ever-developing digital present and future.
As the records of government will increasingly be held in digital format, the leaders considered it vital that the right balance be struck between accessing digital records and the original documents. Oliver Morley said: 'We have to continue to bring people in to see the original'.
Archives leadership
In addition to maintaining the safety, preservation and access to government records, the national repositories have taken significant steps to advise the profession and the public about all aspects of archive work, and aim to create a wider understanding and a culture in which archival and records work is valued.
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Archives and History was said to be 'hugely supportive' of the archive sector and its aims. You can read more about the event on the Archives & Records Association website.
Find out more about The National Archives' role as sector leader for archives in England.
