Archives for the 21st Century (PDF, 3.7 MB)
Archive services are treasure chests holding national, local and family history. Publicly funded archives also hold the evidence of the decision-making and processes that shape our everyday lives. However, archives have a wider role than simply serving as custodians of the national memory. Archives can, as many already do, make a clear contribution to local policy initiatives that affect individuals’ daily lives, particularly in education and learning, empowering and engaging communities, supporting regeneration and facilitating volunteering opportunities.
In recent years the information world has changed beyond recognition and the creation and use of information have been revolutionised. People now expect information to be accessible online at all times and archives need to keep up with this pace of change. Archives for the 21st Century sets out a path for publicly funded services in both England and Wales, to raise awareness of the contribution archives make to everyone’s lives and to kick start action to ensure their continued survival.
The vision of the future set out in Archives for the 21st Century can only become a reality if the whole sector works together to implement the recommendations. In the coming months, The National Archives and the Museums Libraries and Archives Council will be discussing and agreeing with key stakeholders from all parts of the archival sector a detailed action plan to carry forward the recommendations. In Wales, The National Archives will be working with CyMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries Wales to produce a parallel document.
If you require more information, or want to ask a question about the document, please contact the Development Team in Archive Sector Development.
Archives for the 21st Century: response to consultation - report (PDF 356KB)
Responses to each consultation question in full
