Bruce L. White wrote:

>As the Listserve Goddess would say, tell me what you think!  Well, here
goes.  I agree with you that the divide is pervasive and entrenched but
I
will take exception with your observation that this is because of
stereotypes.

I had the distinct "pleasure" of working for and with federal government
archivists in the past and can tell you that many of these individuals
fit
the stereotype of an archivist perfectly.  Talk about the biggest group
of
whinners I ever met - not enough cheese in Wisconcin to go around for
these
folks! (If you don't believe me, check out the archives listserve
sometime.
Almost as much fun as having someone scrape chalk on a chalk board.)

They constantly complained about the lack of respect given to them, how
they
weren't payed enough, that no one really understood them.  Yet these
same
individuals refused to seek ways to improve themselves, resisted change
and
were more than willing to accept low paying positions.  Instead of
embracing
technology with the potential opportunities, many of them looked at the
negatives.  They also bicker among themselves about some of the most
trivial
subjects (again, look at the Archives listserve).  These same
individuals
looked down on records management and managers, believing their calling
(saving history) was more important.  Yet, without the creation and
management of records, they wouldn't have a job.

I guess the defining moment for me came during the confirmation of the
new
Archivist of the U.S.  Instead of acting in what I consider a
professional
manner and discussing what the qualifications of the position should
entail,
a number of their so called leaders went on a crusade to publicly
assassinate the charactor of the nominee.  The ARMA leadership (which I
don't always agree with) took the high road and provided the Senate
Committee with a list of questions to consider and pose to any nominee.
What I found interesting is that these are the same leaders that
complained
about Carlin when he was first nominated.  Very appearant that they just
don't know what they want!

Now granted, some of the archivists I observed over the past 10+ years
may
not reflect the group as a whole.  But they definetly contribute to the
general stereotypes associated with archivists.  And I haven't seen too
many
of their colleages challenge them.

So, yes, count on me as one of those North Amercican records managers
that
Larry mentioned earlier.<



Just a small point; I personally have no experience with US NARA
archivists, but here in Canada we tend not to whine and bicker about
trivial things too much (perhaps the abundance of good beer keeps us
more sedate), and, if the work of our archival professional associations
is any indication, actively seek out self-improvement, as well as
generally embracing technology and viewing change in a positive light.
I suspect the same may be the case with most American archivists, no
matter what position they take on information management and their
professional roles.

Beyond that, having read Bruce's post a couple of times, what can you
say other than, WOW, what an enlightened point of view.  I especially
like the part about the "calling" of archivists being "saving history"
and that they wouldn't have jobs were it not for records managers. One
couldn't ask for a more eloquent testimonial to my original point that
perhaps North America needs to revisit the very dated perceptions that
animate RM and archival thought and practice on the continent.

Dan Zelenyj
Coordinator, Archival Services
City of Vaughan
tel: (905) 832-2281 ext 3129
fax: (905) 303-2538
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
www.vaughan.ca






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