Hi Dwight,

You are right. Let's look at this simply. How do we learn from each other?
In a variety of ways, including through research and writing. I'm a very
practical person, so when I say 'research' I am referring to something that
can then be used for practical purposes. 

We form connections to help us learn and grow. Professional associations,
like ARMA, serve a purpose. But not every association fills every need.
Right now ARMA does not provide a peer-reviewed journal that could satisfy
the needs of some members.

Having ARMA offer this service is one option. But there are others. So,
let's look at all alternatives.  Some of us are doing that.

If you are willing to assist in this effort, that would be terrific! Right
now some of us are monitoring the posts, gathering information from other
sources, and developing a survey to gather even more specific information
that could provide a basis for further action. Luciana and I will keep you
posted.

Pat





-----Original Message-----
From: Records Management Program [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of WALLIS Dwight D
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 8:20 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [RM] Peer Review, Refereed Journals, Records Management

An archival colleague of mine and I were just discussing this issue, and how
it has played out in the archival profession over the past 10 years.
Similar issues were raised, with some professionals dismissing the role of
research, and others promoting it. This colleague thinks that the
contribution of academic research overall has been important, but noted that
the pendulum tends to swing back and forth - currently the sense is that
things are getting perhaps too academic, but one can expect the pendulum to
go the other way as well as there is a continuing dynamic tension between
theory and practice.

What we both agreed on was the critical importance of this in nurturing
young talent, and in sustaining and ultimately improving a body of knowledge
and a profession, which is what brought me to this topic initially. We also
talked about incremental approaches that are low cost, that plant seeds, and
that develop initiatives, such as consortiums, volunteer student support,
and other efforts. This colleague did mention some contacts, Luciana and
Pat, of people trying to put together a journal related to western regional
archives that might be helpful, which I will pass on when I get them. No, it
is not easy (they are still trying), but this colleague thought the contacts
might be helpful, as they have been exploring a number of incremental
options such as consortiums, use of student labor for support, etc..
Longer term, I would be happy to explore Multnomah County's participation in
such a consortium, if that comes to pass. 

I don't really think ARMA is the issue. I understand the reaction of those
who think it is. If you take ARMA out of the equation, I really don't
understand why this is a problem. Am I missing something?

Dwight Wallis, CRM
Records Administrator
Multnomah County Fleet, Records, Electronics, Distribution and Stores
(FREDS)
1620 S.E. 190th Avenue
Portland, OR 97233
Phone: (503)988-3741
Fax: (503)988-3754
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