Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Report 2,500-3,000 words | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Essay 2,5000-3,000 words | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
*Identify and appraise the policies and processes required for effective collections development and description;
*Critically assess a range of archival theories relevant to collection development and description;
*Describe and discuss the archival principles which underpin collection development and description;
*Assess the practical application of archival theories and principles for collection development and description;
*Critically review current international and national archival descriptive standards and guidelines, and other relevant standards for finding-aid creation;
*Explain and critically review the functionality required from archive management software and the implications of electronic data exchange;
*Identify and give critical consideration to the challenges and benefits associated with providing Internet access to archive catalogues and/or archival material.
Brief description
This module is concerned with the core professional activities for Archivists of collection development and description. It will enable students to understand the principles which underpin collection development, and the policies and processes required for this to be undertaken in an organised and responsible manner. Students will consider the principles of archival description and the standards and technologies which support the creation of usable finding-aids, and digital surrogates of archival material. Maintaining accessibility to these over the long-term will also be addressed.
Content
• Policy and Process – Developing an Archives Collection
• Collection, and Acquisition
• Accessioning and Appraisal
• Principles of Arrangement
• Description for Resource Discovery
• IT Solutions for Collection Development and Description
• Digitisation for Collection Development
• Ensuring Long-term Access
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Consideration of the specifications required to enable usable computer searching of archival descriptions and linkage to associated digital materials. |
| Communication | A requirement to discuss and collaborate with employers and other professional archivists to define the subject and scope of work assessed in the report. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Use of professional sources and documentation will foster student awareness of available learning resources, and improve critical and evaluatory skills. |
| Information Technology | IT skills are integral to coursework and presentation of assignments. Additionally students will gain an understanding of the application of IT to archival description, digitisation and digital preservation. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The module is undertaken by students already based in the profession. It provides an academic baseline for early professionals and the development of skills within the workplace. |
| Problem solving | Assignment work will utilize professional scenarios in which strategies for dealing with particular issues and problems need to be formulated. |
| Research skills | Assignment preparation will require the identification and location of relevant academic and professional literature, and best practice within the profession. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Professional skills in the theory and practice of acquisition, appraisal, arrangement, archival description, digitisation and digital preservation will be developed. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7