The challenge of making archives relevant to local authorities

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the context in which local authority archives and records services are operating, in terms of national and local outcomes and targets. It considers what contribution archives services might make towards those outcomes and targets, in general and specific terms. It aims to show archivists and records managers the importance of aligning themselves with the priorities of their local authorities, especially at a time when public sector finances are under scrutiny, and considers some of the challenges that might involve.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the Glasgow City Council cultural strategy as an example, and considers in detail both how that strategy is shaped by the Scottish Government's national outcomes, and as a result how archives are reflected in it, drawing a “golden thread” from the Scottish Government's national statement of purpose all the way down to Glasgow City Council's cultural action plan with its plans for the archives service.

Findings

The paper shows that, although in principle it is relatively easy to make a case for the contribution of archives to local cultural outcomes, in practice those outcomes are frequently focused too narrowly to allow much opportunity for archives to play a part.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a recognised need by showing the importance of archives and records services aligning themselves with the priorities of their local authorities, and offers practical advice to enable them to do so.

Citation

Reid, G. (2010), "The challenge of making archives relevant to local authorities", Records Management Journal, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 226-243. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565691011064359