The Archives and Records Association UK and Ireland (ARA) will hold its 2018 Conference at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow from 29-31 August 2018 under the theme People Make Records.
Organisers say the theme recognises that, despite the advance of technology, recordkeeping remains a people-profession driven by human innovation, from culture and heritage or the sharp end of business management.
The ARA is now inviting speaker proposals for the 2018 conference. The conference will offer streams encompassing archives and records, conservation, and digital. Contributions are welcomed from across the UK and Ireland, and from the global recordkeeping community.
Each day will cover a different theme, including:
People in the records
Do records reflect the communities or organisations in which they exist? Do people trust the authenticity of their records? Who decides on the selection and appraisal or the preservation and conservation of records? Where should records be located?
People looking after records
Who are the record-keepers and conservators? Do they have the skills we need, e.g. in data protection? Are current training and development models fit for purpose? Is the profession diverse enough? What code of ethics should recordkeepers adopt? What is the role of volunteers?
People using records
How do recrodkeepers increase awareness of records and encourage engagement from more users, whether internal or external customers? Are we approachable or pro-active enough? What models might we adopt to increase diversity of access? Does archival and conservation practice hinder rather than promote access? How does the industry strengthen the influence and visibility of records-managers? How will we all need to adapt as professionals in the twenty-first century?
You can participate in the ARA Conference the following ways:
- Individual contributions – presentations of 20 minutes
- Panel sessions – up to three speakers presenting related papers on a specific theme or topic
- ‘30 minute makeover’ – practical workshops, demonstrations or tutorials
- Lightning talks – pitch your big idea or burning issue in quick-fire five minute presentations
- Posters – an opportunity to highlight your research in our poster session
In forming your proposal:
- Try to connect to the theme; and remember that it’s about people!
- We are keen to stimulate debate, so be creative and think about how your paper might achieve this. Don’t be afraid to be controversial.
- If you are considering forming a panel session, try to mix speakers from other professional disciplines, or different geographical and institutional backgrounds. Conference attendees are a broad mix of records-managers, archivists and conservators.
You can submit your conference proposal online using this link.
Please email conference@archives.org.uk if you require any assistance.
Deadline for submitting proposals is 13 December 2017
All speakers selected for Conference will be reimbursed travel expenses (up to £100) and will receive free conference registration for the day on which they are speaking.
