[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