Assignment

Vocabulary

Each English term is supplied with its dictionary definition. Think of the corresponding Russian equivalent and its explanation. Fill in the appropriate empty box.

accumulation	records/archives documenting and generating in the course of the transaction of affairs of any kind; usually characterised as a ‘natural’ accumulation, in contrast to a collection, which is an ’artificial’ accumulation
classification	the preparation of a filing plan/system or classification scheme for records/archives and the placing of series and/or items within such a plan/system or scheme
classification scheme	a pattern of arrangement of archives by groups, series and items
code	a) a system of writing based on a key, or set of predetermined rules or symbols, used for secret/specialized communication; b) the key to such a system of writimg; also referred to as cipher
collection	a) an artificial accumulation of documents of any provenance brought together on the basis of some common characteristic, e.g. way of acquisition, subject, language, medium, type of document, name of collector; b) a body of documents comprising a record/archive group with other related materials of different provenance(s); c) a loose usage for private records/archives
conservation	a) a basic archival function of storing and protecting records/archives; b) the totality of processes and operations involved in the physical protection of records/archives against damage or deterioration and in the restoration/repair of damaged or deteriorated documents; also referred to as preservation
deposit	a) the placing of documents in the custody of archives without transfer of legal title; b) the documents covered by a single deposit
destruction	the disposal of documents of no further value by incineration, maceration, pulping or shredding
file	a) an organised unit (folder, volume, etc.) of documents grouped together either for current use or in the process of archival arrangement; b) a series of files (US); c) in machine-readable records/archives, two or more records of identical layout treated as a unit; the unit is larger than a record but smaller than a data system, and is also known as a data set or file set
list	an enumeration of records/archives at the level of record/archive groups, fonds, classes, series, items or documents and also of holdings, accessions, finding aids, etc. compiled for purposes of control and/or information
reference code	the unique code assigned to an item to facilitate its storage and retrieval
retention schedule	a document describing the recurring records of an agency, institution or administrative unit, specifying those records to be preserved as having archival value and authorising on a continuing basis and after the lapse of specified retention periods or the occurrence of specified actions or events, the destruction of the remaining records; also called: comprehensive records schedule, disposal schedule, records retention schedule, records disposition schedule, retention schedule, transfer schedule (US), disposal list (UK).

Comprehension

1. Ask 10 questions about the main facts of the text and answer them.

2. Find the phrase or the sentence which could be the epigraph to the text.

Discussion

1. Account for the choice of the epigraph to the text.

2. Say whether, in your opinion, it is good to collect and accept anything or there should be a stated collection policy as far as archives are concerned.

3. Which of the author’s ideas (remarks) you consider to be very important and why?

• Scan the text and speak about:

1. the changes in archival sphere brought about by the changes in state structure;

2. the role of a city archivist.

CITY ARCHIVES: THE CONCEPT

As was customary then, I moved on to a more senior post after three years. I took up the job of City Archivist at Newcastle upon Tyne in 1958. I believe this was my happiest time, and I experienced there an aspect of archival activity that I think has largely passed away. The abolition of the county boroughs as a consequence of the act of 1972 has made it difficult for the same kind of job to survive. Despite the rediscovery of the idea of the county borough after 1992, the correspondence between the concentrated historic urban centre and the area of administration has been lost (except in central London), and with it, probably for ever, the possibility that a city government can freely opt to spend money on its cultural self-perception.

Newcastle is a beautiful and ancient city, a regional capital, and rather remote from the other large urban centres. It had its own character, and this was strongly reinforced by its rank as what would today be called a unitary authority. Within the borders of the city, narrow topographically but vastly rich in historical survivals, there was a strong role for the city archivist. The city authorities valued their archives as one of the symbols of their independent existence. Within the urban area there was much research activity, backed by the work of the two local universities (Newcastle itself and Durham). This ranged from archaeology, Roman, medieval and industrial, to contemporary sociological studies. Because of the intense focus provided by the city, this work was not divided out into specialist groups. The archivist could participate in all of it, through such bodies as the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle and the university extra-mural departments.

Surveying the local record office scene today, there are certainly some that have successfully maintained their active connection with local studies, and some that have built this connection into their defined mission statements. The ambition to be seen as a local institute of historical research was never well or universally defined, and it is not surprising that some record offices have not gone in that direction. For those that can get the resources it remains an attractive field, full of potential.

(Cook M. Changing Times, Changing Aims)

Commentary

Newcastle upon Tyne is a town in the north of England, very close to Scotland.