Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:
• Formulate best practice procedures for running a research room
• Demonstrate the potential of the web and social media to enhance and develop user services and widen access
• Be aware of the main challenges that can be encountered in the provision of access to archive collections
• Appreciate the experience of using archives as a researcher.
Indicative Module Content:
The module will cover the following broad areas: Week 1: Definitions of access and outreach, perceptions of the user; Week 2: Understanding Users and Use; Week 3 and 4: Framing Services Access Policies, Restrictions and regulations; Weeks 5 and 6: Providing Services for Users - the Research Room procedures and services; Weeks 7 and 8: Access and outreach: developing an online presence; Weeks 9 and 10: Exhibiting Archives- physical and virtual; Weeks 11 and 12 Broadening Outreach - educational initiatives, community engagement, community archiving.