Iwi archivists as recordmakers?

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/02640470310499849
Date01 October 2003
Pages461-464
Published date01 October 2003
AuthorSandra Falconer
Subject MatterInformation & knowledge management,Library & information science
Iwi archivists as
recordmakers?
Sandra Falconer
Introduction
In recent years record-keeping has become
increasingly important to archivists, not just
record managers, and is receiving wider
recognition. This change is partly the result of
a focus on electronic records, and the need to
be involved from the point of record creation
in order to manage this information
effectively.
There are also implications for other areas
of information management; perhaps other
issues such as ownership of, and access to,
indigenous peoples (e.g. Maori) information
can also be determined at the point of
creation. Maori knowledge includes
traditional knowledge such as whakapapa
(genealogy), territorial boundaries, and
sacred sites, as well as information that affects
Maori, such as land confiscations or health
policies.
The paper introduces some core issues in
electronic record keeping and then looks at
ways in which the lessons of electronic records
management may be applied to other aspects
of record keeping. The paper also focuses on
two distinct areas of discussion ± management
of electronic records over time, and the
potential for management of ownership and
access.
The first is important for all those working
with records and archives. The second is
relevant for iwi (tribal) archivists and people
who manage records containing Maori
information.
Creating future archives
Focusing on electronic records can be
difficult when you are also responsible for
papers and photographs, etc. which are
tactile, older, and often need obvious
attention and protection. However, early
management of electronic records is necessary
to ensure that the minutes of the marae
committee, correspondence, digital
photographs, etc. actually survive to become
archives in the future. (Marae are community
meeting places associated with particular
hapuÄ (sub-tribes ) or wha
Ånau (families).) If
such records are created and kept
electronically, a programme for the
long-term management of these formats
is essential.
The author
Sandra Falconer is Archivist, Archives New Zealand,
Wellington, New Zealand.
Keywords
Archives, Records management, Resources, History,
Ethnic minorities, New Zealand
Abstract
This paper is a brief summary of a presentation and the
ensuing discussion that was part of a workshop on recent
developments in iwi (tribal) archives at the LIANZA
Conference, held in Wellington, New Zealand, in
November 2002. The presentation was made to an
audience of Maori librarians and those who work with
Maori information, who may not be accustomed to
working with information from a record-keeping
perspective. The paper introduces some core issues in
electronic record keeping and then looks at ways in which
the lessons of electronic records management may be
applied to other aspects of record keeping.
Electronic access
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is
available at
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is
available at
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
461
The Electronic Library
Volume 21 .Number 5 .2003 .pp. 461-464
#MCB UP Limited .ISSN 0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470310499849

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