Embedding Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Practice in UK Archive Sector
Introduction
Our series of seven free, pre-recorded presentations allow you to move through the training at your own pace. Part 1 introduces key issues and concepts. Part 2 builds on this knowledge, offering practical steps to embed inclusive practice in your workplace. Copies of the Powerpoint presentations are included as separate downloads, so you can access the links to additional content. Each session ends with quizzes and case studies to help embed your learning.
The trainer
Dr Kirsty Fife has background working in the UK archive sector (outreach, digitisation and project management). They have an MA Archives and Records Management and PhD in Information Studies from UCL. Kirsty is a lecturer in Digital Information and Curatorial Practice in Manchester Metropolitan University’s iSchool.
Part 1: Introduction to Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the UK Archive Sector
This training introduces the subject with a specific focus on archive and records management services. The module assumes no (or little) existing knowledge and is accessible to workers at any level, including those looking to refresh their knowledge in this area. Participants are introduced to legal frameworks for equality, diversity and inclusion, policy in the archive sector, and sector-specific schemes that have sought to have a positive impact in this area. The final module outlines resources and training opportunities to support improving practice, focusing on free/low budget options for further professional development.
Part 1 is divided into three pre-recorded presentations, which can be watched at the pace of participants. Each presentation concludes with either a link to an asynchronous quiz or a short self-directed task to test learning and encourage reflection.
Learning outcomes
After completing the presentations you will be able to:
Understand definitions of a series of key terms and the background context for increased interest in equality, diversity and inclusion work
Identify and understand relevant UK legislation and schemes in equality, diversity and inclusion (e.g, access to work, reasonable adjustments)
Become more familiar with relevant archive sector policy and historical initiatives to take action in this area
Identify opportunities for developing their knowledge through future development
Feel empowered to discuss potential changes to service practice
Presentation 1: The external context of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion
This session includes definitions of relevant terms (equality, equity, diversity, inclusion); a review of current legislation (Equality Act (2010), public service equality duty); public and private sector equality frameworks; common organisational equality, diversity and inclusion concerns/issues (identified in literature). Also discusses workforce demographics, pay gaps, unconscious bias, organisational culture, access to leadership and potential outcomes/responses (from published case studies) such as increased understanding of and reputation with specific communities.
Follow up links for Presentation 1:
Knowledge check https://kahoot.it/challenge/002856631
Presentation 2: Exploring equality, equity, diversity and inclusion in the UK archive sector
This session asks us to consider where we stand right now. Why should workers in the sector build more knowledge? Which areas of archival practice are relevant to equality, diversity and inclusion? It also discusses contested histories, improving accessibility of public services; emphasis on building representative and diverse collections; increased emphasis on care/emotional labour in service delivery; post covid-shifts in digital access (and digital inequity) (including programming); current relevant policy/strategy and existing actions (programming, workforce development, strategy/policy and evaluations to date).
Follow up links for Presentation 2:
Knowledge check https://kahoot.it/challenge/009044890
Presentation 3: Developing existing practice
This session includes the following topics: identifying/learning from existing guidance available in record keeping and allied sectors (e.g. museums), opportunities/recommendations for free/low budget training to develop knowledge; existing sector networks and schemes (e.g. ARA diversity allies); reviewing your service’s existing practice; identifying potential changes
Follow up links for Presentation 3:
Equality action plan Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2021-22 - City of London
Libraries and diversity audits https://www.mmu.ac.uk/library/using-the-library/celebrating-diversity/reading-list-diversity-audit
W3 Digital Accessibility Foundations - Free Online Course | Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) | W3C
Knowledge check
The Inclusive Archive of Learning Disability History Index - Inclusive Archive
Sheffield Archives collaboration with Désirée Reynolds (writer-in-residence) Case studies - Archives sector (nationalarchives.gov.uk)
Positive histories project (London Metropolitan Archives) Positive History project - City of London
Inclusive cataloguing (The Keep) https://www.thekeep.info/inclusive-cataloguing/
Add your thoughts to a shared Padlet. Access via the QR code or Developing existing practice: case studies (padlet.org)
A powerpoint presentation to accompany Part 1 can be found here.
Part 2: Embedding inclusive practice in your service
This training is aimed at participants who either have existing knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion in the sector, or who have undertaken the training module Introduction to Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the UK Archive Sector.
The workshop focuses on common functions within archive sector organisations and has a more practical focus than the previous introductory module. The training aims to leave participants equipped with a better understanding of practical steps that can be taken to embed inclusive practice in workflows across their organisation.
Part 2 is divided into four pre-recorded presentations, which can be watched at the pace of participants. Each presentation concludes with either a link to an asynchronous quiz or a short self-directed task to test learning and encourage reflection.
Learning outcomes:
After completing the presentations you will be able to:
Understand definitions of a series of key terms and their relevance in the archive sector
Identify applications of inclusive practice in the archive sector
Evaluate their applicability within your archive service
Presentation 1: Introduction and key terms
This session considers key terms (equality, equity, intersectionality); why inclusive practice in archives? Networks and opportunities for future development; access and use of records (search room facilities, exhibitions, programming, training staff, user support, digital accessibility); standards relevant to access and use of records;
Follow up links for Presentation 1:
Test your knowledge by completing this short quiz on Kahoot (Slide 18)
Presentation 2: Access and use of records
This session includes accessibility in the search room; facilities (e.g. toilets, cafes); training staff; user support; website accessibility; exhibitions; programming.
Follow up links for Presentation 2:
Purchase of accessibility tools and provision of alternative formats (SAA pamphlet with recommendations)
Communicating difficult and upsetting histories Risk assessment toolkit - The National Archives
Accessibility in programming Live Events Access Charter - Attitude is Everything
Accessibility in learning Accessible Learning Toolkit launched to improve services for SEND audiences — Archives & Records Association
Digital accessibility: guidance
Tools to improve digital accessibility https://wave.webaim.org
Test your knowledge by completing this short quiz on Kahoot.
Presentation 3: Collections management and development
Topics include; cataloguing (e.g. offensive terms in descriptions; participatory models of description; subject tagging); collections development (building representative collections through targeted collecting); digitisation (ethics-led approaches); deposit arrangements.
Follow up links for Presentation 3
Resources
Archives for Black Lives Anti-Racist Description Resources
Knowledge check Finding-the-Words-booklet.pdf (bath-preservation-trust.org.uk)
Share your thoughts Finding the words: addressing language in archive collections (padlet.org
Presentation 4: Service management
This session includes cataloguing (e.g. offensive terms in descriptions; participatory models of description; subject tagging); collections development (building representative collections through targeted collecting); digitisation (ethics-led approaches); deposit arrangements.
Follow up links for Presentation 4
Digital Archivist graduate training scheme | Bodleian Libraries (ox.ac.uk)
Over to you! Cultural Humility in Libraries - CORE Reader
Share your thoughts Cultural humility (padlet.org)
A powerpoint presentation to accompany Part 2 can be found here
References
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Boddy, D. (2017) Management: An Introduction. Harlow: Pearson Education.
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Bolton, K. and McKenzie, S. (2017) Evaluation of Transforming Archives and Opening Up Scotland’s Archives. London: RedQuadrant. Available at: https://cdn.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/archives/opening-up-archives-evaluation-2017.pdf (Accessed: 1 November 2022).
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Mazur, B. (2014) ‘Building diverse and inclusive organizational culture-best practices: A case study of Cisco Co.’, Journal of Intercultural Management, 6(4–1), pp. 169–179. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2478/joim-2014-0043.
Morgan, J. and Macdonald, S. (2020) ‘De-growing museum collections for new heritage futures’, International Journal of Heritage Studies, 26(1), pp. 56–70. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2018.1530289
Skinner, M. and Crane, B. (2015) ‘Library user persona template.’ Library Faculty & Staff Publications, January.
Tai, J. (2021) ‘Cultural Humility as a Framework for Anti-Oppressive Archival Description’, Journal of Critical Library and Information Studies, 3(2). Available at: https://doi.org/10.24242/jclis.v3i2.120.
The National Archives (2018) Archive Service Accreditation Standard. London: The National Archives. Available at: https://cdn.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/archives/archive-service-accreditation-standard-june-2018.pdf (Accessed: 1 December 2022).
The National Archives (n.d.) The National Archives - Risk Assessment. The National Archives. The National Archives. [Online] [Accessed on 20th April 2023] https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/advice-and-guidance/running-your-organisation/inclusion/resources/risk-assessment/.
The National Council on Archives Public Services Quality Group (2008) A Standard for Access for Archives. London: The National Council on Archives.
Wellcome Collection (2018) Collections Development Policy, 2018-2023. London: Wellcome Collection. Available at: https://wellcomecollection.cdn.prismic.io/wellcomecollection%2F6438039a-7787-4fcb-9a09-8774b1d7e808_wellcome+collection_collections+development+policy_march+2018.pdf (Accessed: 1 December 2022).
Wellcome Collection (no date) The colonial roots of our collections, and our response, Wellcome Collection. Available at: https://wellcomecollection.org/pages/YLnsihAAACEAfsuu (Accessed: 11 December 2022).