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Archives at the heart of society
The foundation of this vision is the integral role of archives at the heart of society.
Our vision is for archives to be valued and preserved as a source of inspiration for everyone. The foundation of this vision is the integral role of archives at the heart of society. Archives preserve the records of our shared past, deepen our understanding of the present, and plant the seeds of inspiration for our future.
To build on archives’ integral role and achieve the vision, we have identified three interconnected strategic themes. These themes represent the key areas that archives must excel in. Archives must be:
- Accessible – Sharing collections beyond our walls
- Inclusive – Representing the communities archives serve
- Sustainable – Ensuring archives endure for the future
Why at the heart of society?
Archives must continue their fundamental work and shine a light on their impact. Archives have an impact on every part of society across the nation, enabling justice, creativity, business, community building, personal identity, wellbeing, research and education.
Yet too often this foundational work is unseen and uncredited. Archives will further raise their profile, increasing awareness of their integral role. Archives will collect more data on their impact and more clearly articulate their value to society, including their many socio-economic, cultural and wellbeing contributions.
Image credit: Manchester Archives
Why now?
Without greater recognition of their unique role, archives will remain misunderstood and undervalued, putting records and access at risk. We must not take archives for granted, only realising their importance once they are already lost.
Focusing on advocacy, education, and outreach (both in person and online), archives will highlight the difference they make to the daily life of individuals, institutions, communities and nations. By further raising the profile of their integral role, archives will be able to make stronger cases for investment from their parent organisations and external funders.
Image credit: Bromsgrove School Archives
What next?
In collaboration with partners, archives will:
- bring more attention to the part they play in empowering individuals and supporting democratic processes, especially major public inquiries
- attract new champions, whether public historians or others, with significant profile to reach wider audiences
- continue to evolve as interactive spaces that engage communities, support researchers and inspire the creative industries
- become more embedded in education and lifelong learning, educating audiences in the use of information
- reach beyond their walls to share the stories they hold and show their relevance to everyone
- develop the confidence and leadership skills to champion new ways of working
- collect more data on their impact and more clearly articulate their value to society, including their many socio-economic, cultural and wellbeing contributions.
- use new measurements to make clearer cases for investment, highlighting the economic, social and cultural benefits to society
Image credit: Historic England Archive