UCD School of History & Archives
Prospectus for MA in Archives and Records
Management
2014/15
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;
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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;
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to develop collaborative synergies in the education of recordkeepers in UCD by
exploiting its many resources which will enhance their education;
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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.
MA
Archives and
Records
Management
(90 credits)
7 core modules
2 optional modules
Dissertation
(50 credits)
(10 credits)
(30 credits)
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.
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 Internships
Each student will complete at least one period as an intern during the academic session as
part of the perspectives on practice module. It is recommended that the archives service
selected for the internship 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
preservation and conservation strategies and to understand global and national issues which affect
preservation.
Scope: The components of preservation management including strategic and resource issues;
the physical nature of traditional archives; best preservation practice, preservation
programme components and standards; risk assessment, disaster prevention and recovery
planning; technological enhancement in preservation including digital curation projects;
global threats to the preservation of archives, conventions on the protection of cultural
patrimony and the role of multinational bodies and NGOs; national preservation policy,
legislation and government funding for preservation.
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 or for those who would benefit from their availability.
Scope: This module introduces a theoretical framework for the provision of user services by
archivists and explores the main ways in which archives are used: the research room,
exhibitions, websites, educational projects. The module gives students the opportunity to
experience archives as family historians. It examines the impact of new technologies in
transforming the ways in which archives can be communicated to a wider audience. Finally,
the module highlights the need for policies and standards in the interaction between the
archivist and the user.
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 become familiar with the characteristics
of authentic records, recordkeeping systems and records management practice; to develop insight into
key issues in managing records including functional analysis, business classification, file plan design,
and functional requirements for electronic recordkeeping systems; to evaluate systems for managing
electronic records; to develop understanding of the role of records in business continuity and risk
management strategies; to reflect on the implications of technology-driven change, including Web 2.0
and the cloud for records management theory and practice.
Scope: The module addresses the purpose and scope and of records management, its
relationship with knowledge management and business intelligence, 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 recordkeeping systems, the nature of electronic
records management systems and their functional requirements, the effective management
of active and inactive records, 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 SharePoint, 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 key
component of the module is the examination of accountability issues, including
consideration of local and global case studies. This part of the module focuses on the role of
records as key components of accountability, and addresses the deliberate destruction of
records, manipulation in recordkeeping, as well as negligent or inadequate recordkeeping,
and the resulting threats to society and societal rights.
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 one-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,
nameservers, 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
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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.

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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/schofh
a_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 2014/15 course of 1 pm on Friday 28 March 2014.
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 selfsufficient 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/.