Archivist’s Update
The Library and Archive collection is rapidly expanding, thanks to significant donations, the consolidation of dispersed historical collections, and the continued acquisition of important publications and historic antiquities. This growth allows us to reorganise, fully audit, and catalogue the library collection. Donations of important books and archive collections are crucial to our role as a hub of information on the county’s history and archaeology, and we sincerely appreciate these contributions. A review of our recent acquisitions, along with thanks, will be published on the Society’s website soon, further highlighting the importance of our role as a knowledge centre.
Our commitment to making our collections more accessible is unwavering. We are actively seeking a collections management system (CMS) and preparing our data for this system. This will allow our collections to be fully catalogued in one place, ensuring easy access for both staff and our membership. This process has involved the careful review of decades of catalogued materials in various media to create a uniform database for implementation into the CMS.
To obtain accreditation, we have been working on a vast suite of documents for the Library and Archive, including mission statements, future-proofing, workforce, diversity, collections management, collections development, cataloguing standards, collections care and conservation, disaster and recovery, and policies relating to how materials can be accessed, managed, and secured.
[fg][/fg]
The Archive has been instrumental in answering numerous public enquiries relating to the KAS archive and research material. These enquiries cover various topics, from family histories to architectural projects, historical research, and other unique requests. We consistently serve a diverse group of enthusiasts and professionals who require our services and information from our collections. This underscores the importance of the Society as a centre of historical and archaeological knowledge and the critical role our collections play in maintaining and providing access to this knowledge.
A leading conservator from the British Library has conducted a Conservation Assessment of our library and archive materials. The report, which is about to be published, will help advise and guide future collection, storage, preservation, and conservation policies.
The archival, curatorial, and digital teams have been contacting various stakeholders, including regional and national museums, councils, and professional bodies, to align our practices, professionalise our systems of operation, and further the Society’s future goals.
We are working hard to steer several volunteer-led projects, including cataloguing, digitisation, and tagging projects with collection items. As soon as all equipment and procedures are fully in place, the first of these archive projects aims to be advertised to members in the coming months. Keep an eye on our media channels and website for further details.
We have been active in networking, public speaking, and outreach events, including the Festival of Archaeology, the Kent County Show, and various archaeological conferences. Here, we have showcased our collections, upcoming events, and the many benefits of membership.
[fg][/fg]
As the Curator, my responsibilities include researching, curating, and promoting the objects in our care. The Society has organised several successful public events in the past few months. By showcasing our collections, we can raise awareness of our work among both new and existing members. These public events also allow us to demonstrate how anyone can participate in archaeology and history.
We are happy to give talks to schools, local groups, and societies. Please contact us via our website.
