Gwybodaeth Modiwlau
Module Identifier
DSM3420
Module Title
Archive Management : Management of Archive Services
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Distance Learning
Reading List
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Report 2,500-3,000 words | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Essay 2,500-3,000 words | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
*define the nature of archives and the role of the archivist;
*discuss issues associated with: access and outreach; government policy and initiatives; and appropriate legislation;
*describe the international development of archival services;
*discuss archive preservation and conservation management;
*list the major considerations to be taken into account in planning, designing and managing an archive building.
Brief description
This module is designed to prepare students to deal with the strategic and operational issues which will be encountered in managing and delivering a modern Archive Service.
The module begins by defining Archives, establishing the functions of an Archive Service and examining the role of the Archivist. It will then consider: the professional landscape for archive keeping; relevant legislation and professional standards; and the moral and ethical responsibilities of the professional archivist.
Issues connected with access to archives and public service delivery are examined, including the need to engage with the funding and policy context to demonstrate value. The role of outreach strategies in achieving funding goals is considered.
The module also deals with the ‘physical defence’ of archives. Preservation and conservation in practice will be introduced through a visit to the National Library of Wales, to see how they care for their collections, and attendance at a professional conservators’ meeting. Students will continue to consider the preservation of archival material through: the design and management of archive buildings; the development and implementation of preservation policies; environmental monitoring; the role of the conservator and conservation; and disaster recovery planning.
The module begins by defining Archives, establishing the functions of an Archive Service and examining the role of the Archivist. It will then consider: the professional landscape for archive keeping; relevant legislation and professional standards; and the moral and ethical responsibilities of the professional archivist.
Issues connected with access to archives and public service delivery are examined, including the need to engage with the funding and policy context to demonstrate value. The role of outreach strategies in achieving funding goals is considered.
The module also deals with the ‘physical defence’ of archives. Preservation and conservation in practice will be introduced through a visit to the National Library of Wales, to see how they care for their collections, and attendance at a professional conservators’ meeting. Students will continue to consider the preservation of archival material through: the design and management of archive buildings; the development and implementation of preservation policies; environmental monitoring; the role of the conservator and conservation; and disaster recovery planning.
Content
There are 5 units of distance learning materials comprising:
• The nature of archives and the role of the archivist
• Archives development: historical perspectives
• Enabling access to archives
• Preservation and conservation: the physical defence of the archive
• Archive buildings
• The nature of archives and the role of the archivist
• Archives development: historical perspectives
• Enabling access to archives
• Preservation and conservation: the physical defence of the archive
• Archive buildings
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Communication | Tutorials plus classroom discussion/online forums in study schools and online support area |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Integral to the scheme through independent learning in distance learning mode |
| Information Technology | Many of the activities undertaken in Virtual Learning Environment and assessed work completed using Word. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Exercises in units reflect on the application of theory in the work environment |
| Problem solving | Assignment work and seminar activities will utilize professional scenarios in which strategies for dealing with particular issues and problems need to be formulated. |
| Research skills | Undertake research within the work environment, for example completing an assessment of the repository storage conditions, against agreed standards. Evaluation and analysis of information required for module assessment |
| Subject Specific Skills | Professional skills in the management, promotion and preservation of archival materials will be developed. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7