There are several ways you can get ongoing support, not least from The National Archives. You can contact the Archive Sector Leadership team and they can provide advice and support on all aspects of managing your archives. In Wales the Welsh Government also provides support and advice.
Partnerships with archive services
Some local archive services are able to provide ongoing support and work in partnership with independent archive services e.g. Gloucestershire Heritage Hub. Several provide advice through support networks such as the Cornish Archive Network.
Professional organisations
There are several professional organisations that could be a source of ongoing support, with some being focused on a particular type of organisation. Organisations include:
- Archives and Records Association
- Business Archives Council
- Charity Archivist and Records Managers Group
Consultant archivist and conservators
There are a growing number of consultant archivists and conservators who could provide more detailed ongoing support for the development of your archive. Some can provide support in all areas, while others specialise in digital preservation or cataloguing for example. These consultants can be found through an online search, via the Archives and Records Association or via ICON The Institute of Conservation.
Growing your archive and considering Records Management
Definition of Records Management
‘The systematic and administrative control of records throughout their life cycle to ensure efficiency and economy in their creation, use, handling, control, maintenance, and disposition.’
Society of American Archivists
Once you have all the necessary plans and procedures in place to establish your archive and you have ensured that it is fully preserved and secure, you will be thinking about growing your archive. Your collection development policy will outline the limits of collecting but how do you bring more items into your collection and ensure that you keep a comprehensive collection?
If your archive relates to one organisation you will want to consider managing the current records (digital, paper and others) alongside the archive. Known as records management, this process will ensure that you not only have a flow of new archives, but that you only retain what you need for as long as you need it.