An evaluation of 'archives for the 21st century' An evaluation of 'archives for the 21st century'

Market research published report:
An evaluation of 'archives for the 21st century'

The National Archives

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Featured in this report: Culture, heritage & leisure

This report encompasses two distinct pieces of research, conducted by DJS Research and Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan respectively (Consultant Archivist). The first presents the findings of DJS Research’s research with members of the archive sector. The second presents the findings of Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan’s research with TNA’s stakeholders.

In response to the 2009 government policy, 'archives for the 21st Century', The National Archives, as lead body for the English archives sector, published 'archives for the 21st Century in action – refreshed' in 2012. This document showcases successful work under five broad policy objectives, and acts as a call to action for archives to put these priority areas into practice for individual users, their communities, and the nation. The plan also highlighted The National Archives' commitment to support archives to address these policy areas in the light of evolving contexts and expectations.

Having set out aims for the sector for 2012–2015, The National Archives now requires a programme of independent research to report back on progress against the action plan. The overarching objective of the research is to gain feedback from the sector on progress to date on the action points, as well as assessing the continued relevance of key areas for the coming years.

More specifically, the research sets out to:

  • Evaluate progress made by The National Archives and the sector against the 'archives for the 21st century' action plan.
  • Establish the sector’s perception of the continuing relevance of the five policy objectives as outlined in 'archives for the 21st century'.
  • Identify the key current challenges and opportunities for the sector, particularly with a view to encouraging services to modernise.
  • Outline realistic recommendations for The National Archives in relation to its support for the sector over the next 3–5 years.

 

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