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2010 Statement of policy for ICA Presidency 

"Since I joined the National Archives of the Netherlands I have encountered a great enthusiasm in all my meetings with leaders and staff of archival organizations, both in the Netherlands and abroad. Day by day they convince me just how challenging and inspiring it is to be able to play a key role in the infocracy (a society where power resides with those who successfully manage information) of the 21st century. They teach me that archives nurture not only our feeling for culture and history, but also institutional memory and our conscience as society. I have come to admire the professional ethos of the archivist who actively seeks to promote feeling, memory and conscience in our societies.

Besides admiration there is also a sense of wonder at the great potential of the archival sector, but also at the rather limited role it plays in societies. Archival institutions and archivists are key role players in the world of exchange of information and ideas. Information about government and society promotes involvement of their citizens. And involvement gives them a sense of connection. Issues of culture, history, politics and identity are very closely related. It is a remarkable fact that we in the archival profession have for so long felt a tension between the official and cultural aspects of our work, between our administrative and historical tasks. Are we here for the sake of historical records or contemporary ones ? For administration or for heritage ? For history or for open government ? Archival institutions are there for the sake of all purposes !

We are centers for democracy and for history. We have to create a profile cleverly fed by combining these two aspects and by emphasizing the totally unique way in which our branch can deliver a continuous supply of sublime experiences. After all, with us you get both history and democracy right there in your hand or on your screen. Tangible and interactive. Where else could you find that ? History and democracy have been associated with public records for centuries. To be exact, all the way back to the very origins of the modern archive, rooted as it is in the ideals of the Enlightenment.

 

Martin 270 OK

 

 

History/heritage and information policy are the two driving forces behind our work, setting the agenda for everything we do. The agenda for ICA (and its future president) has, as I see it, at least four items:

  • Freedom of information legislation and archival laws have much more in common than most politicians think. We need to create more awareness about the great contribution of archival institutions to open government, active disclosure, civil rights and democracy. ICA can help its members by underlining and promoting this important role towards supranational bodies, NGO's and national governments.
  • ICA members are all together responsible for appraisal, selection and curation of the world's archives, meaning: the memory of the world. We need a lot of exchanges of ideas and professional training to realize the innovations to deal with the (digital) archives of the infocracy of the 21st century. In an era of globalization there is an increased opportunity and need for ICA's members to find solutions to common problems. ICA's members need the support of ICA to confirm their independent position in society to ensure the civil rights to information.
  • We need common digital infrastructures and open digital content to share our archives and ensure their long-term preservation and sustainable accessibility. ICA could be a promoter of cooperation, sharing our sources and common infrastructures on a local, national, regional and supranational level.  At a time when archives in all formats remain at risk because of armed conflicts and natural catastrophes, ICA needs to play a leading role in developing cooperative structures and partnerships that will enable their preservation for future generations.
  • To give maximum support to our members to play a significant role in their city, region or country, ICA needs to be an open and strong network all over the world. The network needs to rely on the support of all members, based on principles of equality and solidarity, and a respect for cultural diversity. This support is to be purchased day by day. That is why ICA needs to apply the principles of transparency and effective information management throughout its organization. The process of reform has made a promising start but needs to be sustained. New ways of raising revenue should be investigated.  However, continuing organizational improvement should be in harmony with the values of the members. The commitment to help colleagues whose needs are greatest should be upheld at all times.

For all these reasons I would like to serve the archival community as President of the ICA."

Martin Berendse