[log in to unmask] said:
>The fact that the majority of the RIM profession in the U.S. wouldn't
>"embrace" the views expressed is precisely the point.  The divide
>between RM and Archives is pervasive, entrenched, and perpetuated by
>long-standing stereotypes.

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.


Bruce L. White, CRM, PMP
Manager, Records Management
Sempra Global
619-696-4671
619-696-2534 (Fax)
619-952-7145 (Cell)

"Paper kills-and more
paper kills more."
                Judah Best, JD

"Sempra Global is not the same company as the utility SDG&E or SoCal Gas,
and Sempra Global is not regulated by the California Public Utilities
Commission."


List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html
Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance

List archives at http://lists.ufl.edu/archives/recmgmt-l.html
Contact [log in to unmask] for assistance