Independent community-led archives have been a feature of the archival landscape in the UK for several decades, with numbers growing steadily. Only in more recent years, however, has this informal...Show moreIndependent community-led archives have been a feature of the archival landscape in the UK for several decades, with numbers growing steadily. Only in more recent years, however, has this informal activity been recognised by the formal heritage sector, and efforts made by professionals to engage these independent groups. This research investigates the position of community archives from the perspective of the formal and accredited archives sector, including analysis of the scope and nature of the outreach projects initiated by professional archival bodies, as well as the motivations, both stated and perceived, for doing so. The results of the research will be used to form a discussion of the nation’s ‘archival community’, and the place of independent archives in relation to the formal, established sector. The thesis will conclude with speculation about the potential for future collaboration between archive services in the UK, and aims to offer a perspective on the evolving role and function of both archives and archivists.Show less
