Day by Day at the ARA Conference: Wednesday
Day by Day at the ARA Conference
If you can only make one (or two) day(s) at the ARA Conference we have made a handy day-by-day guide so you can choose which day to come… Difficult, because every day is packed with content! You can find Thursday here and Friday here.
Wednesday 27th August
Our keynote is: Julian Davis, Disruptor-in-Chief at Curiosity UnLtd, a grassroots think and do tank for positive social change. Julz says: “From Knowle West to Westminster, I’m an award winning Creativist inspired to creatively use the tools of activism to co-create with organisations, groups and other like-minded change-makers keen to advance diversity and social change for a better world for all.”
Wednesdays programme: In Track A - our AI and digital innovation strand - we look at safeguarding, ethics, machine learning tools and in practice case studies. Track B (conservation) has an eclectic mix ranging from exhibition supports, comics and shadow puppets as well as the truly technical: plasma treatments for moulds and the identification of polyester, cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate film bases. In Track C we look at Challenging Collections with a particular focus on trauma and memory as well as uncovering diversity in archive collections. Track D which focuses on rethinking training, outreach and inclusivity includes sessions on innovations in archival education, the review of the ARA Conservation training Scheme and accessibility of archival education.
Wednesday is rounded off by our social at We The Curious – providing an opportunity for relaxed networking (with food and drink) at an interesting venue with plenty of conversation starting exhibits.
Details of Wednesday’s sessions are below and the full programme with full abstracts can be found here: https://openingdoors.eventsair.com/ara2025/programme
Day rates are:
Members:
One day: £285
Two days (any two consecutive days) £500
Non members:
One day: £385
Two days (any two consecutive days) £700
Wednesday’s social can be added on to the day rates for an extra £66
Full rates and registration can be found here: https://openingdoors.eventsair.com/ara2025/registration
Details of Wednesday’s programme
Track A: New Horizons - Artificial intelligence and digital innovations
Safeguards for Facing AI Challenges – Reimagining How to Apply Foundational Recordkeeping Principles
Margaret Hermesmeyer, Director And Immediate Past Chair ARMA International
Face AI challenges head-on with recordkeeping safeguards. The guiding principles of the ARMA Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles (The Principles) help identify needed safeguards to evaluate recordkeeping solutions for challenges such as AI. Attendees will gain an understanding of The Principles and ARMA’s Information Governance Implementation Model (IGIMv2.0). Attendees will also explore using these tools as safeguards for moving Records Management and Information Governance (IG) programs forward in today's information landscape.
'Just because we can doesn't mean we should': prototyping machine learning tools to monitor and assess research data
Dr Jade Godsall, Assistant Research Support Librarian; Dr Kirsty Merrett, Research Support Librarian and Mr Christopher Warren, University of Bristol
Monitoring and accessing the uptake of Open Research practices is an activity identified by the higher education sector as urgent and necessary, but are our current systems and infrastructure equipped to support this? This presentation is a call to action to return to our roots as record-keeping professionals; to monitor and assess open research practices, institutions, publishers, and funders must work together to agree on metadata standards and consistent language to improve the reliability and ease with which researchers cite, curate, publish, and ultimately, preserve research data.
Interfacing Information Governance with the Ethical Agenda
Mr Reynold Leming, Managing Director, Informu Solutions Ltd
Any organisation needs to ensure that it is meeting its operational goals in a manner that does not adversely ipact planet and people. Good practice in data governance, records management and information rights can directly support this. Pulling together knowledge of international standards, accreditation schemes, law and sector initiatives, this talk will set out thoughts on a strategy and action plan to interface information governance with the ethical agenda,
In Our Element: Creativity in the Archives
Louise Ray, Archives Consultant
There is currently considerable professional discourse on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on archives. This paper provides a counterbalance in reflecting upon the ongoing need for human centred activity in the archive, in particular, the role that creativity can play in developing and delivering services
The Glass Plates Project: Increasing Access to Archive Collections using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Ms Jen Grasso, Digital Content And Systems Co-ordinator, University Of Brighton Design Archives
This paper explores the different phases of a project that employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to create a tool to make this data set of 11,000 uncatalogued glass-plate negatives accessible and usable, including discussion of initial outcomes, challenges presented, as well how AI/ML can be further employed to diversify stakeholder representation and increase access to archives.
Innovations in record management and publicity at the National Archives of Singapore
Mr Joshua Kwah, Archivist, National Archives of Singapore (National Library Board)
This paper presents various innovations at the National Archives of Singapore (NAS), to improve recordkeeping for Singapore’s Whole-of-Government and promote wider awareness of our records to the public.
Innovating Access: AI Solutions for Preserving and Unlocking Archival Heritage
Markus Stauffiger, Archipanions.
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the way archives and records are accessed, preserved, and utilized. This presentation explores innovative AI-driven solutions that address pressing challenges in recordkeeping, showcasing their relevance to the ARA 2025 theme, ‘Next Generation: Innovation and Imagination in Record Keeping.’
Track B: Innovation, sustainable conservation and the next generation
Workshop: Get up, stand up: simple clear supports for temporary exhibitions
Mrs Victoria Stevens, Subject Lead Tutor, Books Programme, West Dean College Of Arts, Design Craft and Conservation
The use of acrylics, such as Perspex, to create temporary exhibition stands is costly, both financially and in terms of its poor sustainability credentials. An alternative is offered in Vivak™, one of the trade names for polyethylene terephthalate glycol, or PETG, sheeting. This workshop will take participants through some of the options for using this material specifically for supporting archive material when on display. Each participant will create a small upright stand, a document slope and a display cube. The session will also demonstrate the use of Vivak™ as a transparent and flexible holding material for bound material when on display.
Preserving the Panels: Conservation bindings for collections of British comics
Ms Amy Randall, Student, West Dean College
This presentation will highlight the findings from my ongoing research. Firstly, it will outline the outcomes of a survey carried out on a bound collection of 2000 AD comics, held at the Rebellion Group Archives. Subsequently, it will cover how these findings have influenced the progress of the experimental research into developing conservation-friendly adaptations/alternative binding structures. Lastly, the presentation will end with an overview of my initial conclusions.
Lighting the Shadows – The conservation of tangible and intangible values in a collection of 20th century shadow puppets.
Mr Christopher Duffy, Student Conservator, West Dean College
This paper will outline research currently being undertaken into a collection of puppets and related material created by the artist and writer Norman Ault, currently in the care of his decedents. The research investigates the tangible elements of the collection and considers whether a campaign of conservation can restore meanings and values, in order to describe, define and realise the intangible characteristics of the collection that are currently believed to be dormant. It considers replication and the recreation of “lost” elements as a possible conservation action, undertaken to realise a new use value, so the central question of the research can be investigated, namely where concepts of value, significance and authenticity exist in such collections, and whether these concepts, once identified, can be highlighted and preserved for the future.
The Use of Low-Thermal, Low-Pressure Plasma Treatment on Active Fungal Spores in Books: Results and What They Mean
Jamie Chmara, Student, West Dean College
Plasma technology is a developing field that uses ionized gases for cleaning and decontamination, ablation of the surface, application of thin films on the surface, and more. Studies using plasma technology have demonstrated that on flat paper and cellulose materials, low thermal plasma treatments performed under 20° C can deter fungal growth in only 15 minutes, with miniscule surface ablation to the material at the time of treatment. Other studies show that low pressure plasma systems are well used for antifungal properties on a variety of large objects and materials. Wherein lies the gap in the research is if the treatment is plausible for an openable object, such as a book, for antifungal treatment. Because of mold’s ability to travel and spread into the book, treatment using plasma technology must be able to interact with all of the infected pages of the book and into the deepest parts of the book, such as the gutter. This research will look at the viability of the use of the low-thermal, low-pressure plasma technology on fungi infested books and the outcome of the fungus. The terminology varies in each article to describe the action of plasma on fungi, including inactivate and devitalize. Given the difference in post-treatment handling with inactivated and dead mold, this research will also look at how the treatment affects mold.
Testing Times – the identification of polyester, cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate film bases for storage and preservation prioritisation
Mr Mark O'Neill, Preventive Conservator (archives), Imperial War Museum Duxford
Plastics began to supersede glass as the medium of choice for the support base of photographic negatives from 1889 onwards. Archive, library and museum collections will likely hold a proportion of sheet and rolled film material which may be nitrate, acetate, or polyester; and this presents a challenge for these heritage institutions. Acetate and nitrate are at best deteriorative and potentially unstable, and at worse hazardous, both to heritage collections and health.
There are several potential methods of identification available, which vary in feasibility, reliability and expertise and equipment required to undertake, as well as presenting different issues of reversibility, safety, and reliability.
This presentation will investigate several of these methods of investigation; from visual identification and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, to chemical analysis in the form of A-D strips and diphenylamine solution. The benefits, issues, complications, practical application and limitations of these different methods will be presented and discussed, to better demonstrate what might feasibly be achieved with differing resources and photographic collections.
Workshop: Building Better Homes: Rethinking enclosures for historic plans and drawings
Ms Hannah Milton, Archivist and Curator of the Architectural Drawings Collection, Historic Royal Palaces and Madeleine Marshall and Avery Bazemore, Conservator (Preventive/Tower Bridge), The London Archives
How can archivists and conservators with limited funds ensure the best care for plans and drawings through packaging solutions? Inspired by DIY culture and underpinned by the principles of sustainability, our workshop will explore ways to improve access to architectural and technical drawings by upcycling their existing packaging.
Track C: Challenging Collections
Record-keeping Strategy 2025 onwards
This session will launch ARA's 2025-30 strategy following the consultation that took place at the end of 2024 and through the Spring of 2025.
Reimagining Trauma in Archives: Recordkeepers' Insights on Managing War and Conflict Related Archives. What can the sector do next?
Ms Megan Joyce, Senior Curator, Iwm
This paper will present research from the first empirical study to explore the perceptions and experiences of recordkeepers specifically managing trauma in war or conflict related archives. With ongoing war and conflict around the world, this paper will demonstrate that there is a need for institutions, and the wider sector, to work with recordkeepers in this field to implement necessary support and guidance for future recordkeepers managing trauma in the archive.
Distant Voices: Identity, Memory and Trauma in the Terence Davies Archive
Dan Copley, Archivist, Edge Hill University
This paper is a case study in real time of an ongoing project, relating to the archive of internationally acclaimed filmmaker, Terence Davies (1945-2023), which is held at Edge Hill University. It will reflect on discussions and work we are doing with partners and key stakeholders, addressing issues of diversity, trauma, identity and our responsibility as custodians of a personal and professional archive.
How can archive services support staff who encounter challenging records unexpectedly? Introducing the Challenging Records Toolkit
Sarah Wood, Assistant Archivist, University of Leicester
Traditional roles in archives such as appraisal, cataloguing, digitisation, enquiry handling, and exhibition curation can expose staff to challenging records, potentially impacting their emotional wellbeing. The impact of these records varies greatly among individuals, based on their personal experiences. While it is impossible to anticipate and mitigate every potential emotional trigger, organisational support should be in place for when such instances occur.
This paper introduces a Toolkit designed to support staff by facilitating conversations about their experiences and promoting active listening. The Toolkit aims to improve staff wellbeing by initiating discussions, suggesting practical adjustments, and signposting organisational support services. It bridges the gap between archive sector guidance and organisational support, focusing on staff who encounter emotionally challenging records unexpected
Unlocking the BILNAS Archive: Advancing Discovery and Access through Person-Centred Archival Innovation
Dr Anne Marie Williamson, Archivist, The British Institute For Libyan And Northern African Studies
The British Institute for Libyan and Northern African Studies (BILNAS) maintains a historically significant archive, primarily documenting British archaeological projects in Libya since the early 20th century. This project reimagines archival access through a person-centred approach. It seeks to create detailed, interconnected records for underrepresented contributors, including essential but often overlooked individuals, such as site labourers, field technicians and finds specialists.
Uncovering Diversity: New finding aids for Shakespeare’s Globe developed with new community partners
Dr Philip Milnes-Smith, Archivist (digital), Shakespeare's Globe
With the support of a Research and Innovation grant from TNA, Shakespeare’s Globe spent 2024 developing new thematic finding aids to its collections, surfacing a diversity that was previously hidden by the catalogue and creating new starting points for thematic research on disability, gender, queerness and race. In this presentation, the project manager and editor of the new guides will share the journey, introduce some of the format and content, and underline the importance of community consultation. He will also be sharing lessons learned that could benefit others considering revisiting their collections to improve the discoverability of those previously underserved and under-represented.
10 Practical Steps for Uncovering Diversity in Archives: A Case Study at LSE Library
Emma Pizarro, Archivist & Daniel Brambilla-Payne, Politics Curator, LSE Library
This paper will focus on 10 practical, actionable steps that institutions in similar situations can take to uncover diversity and ensure that historically marginalised perspectives and experience are more fully represented in their archive collections.
Track D: Next Generation - Rethinking Training, Outreach and Inclusivity
Adapting skills in a changing workplace
Ms Noeleen Schenk, Director and Ms Siobhan King, Senior Consultant, Metaxis
The workshop format will consist of a mix of small group working and facilitated group discussions, designed to encourage a wide-ranging exploration of our skills and the proactive steps we can all take to engage with our organisations to recognise them.
The tone and aim of this interactive workshop is to enthuse delegates and make them realise how valuable and transferable many of our skills really are and encourage them to look forward to the future, confident that they have a place in it.
Innovation and Imagination in Contemporary Archives and Records Management Teaching and Research
Panel: Dr Elizabeth Mullins, University College Dublin; Dr Anna Sexton, University College London and Dr Alexandrina Buchanan, University of Liverpool
This panel focuses on recent innovations in archival education and research in the UK and Ireland. It features speakers from a range of ARA accredited university programmes including University College Dublin, University College London, and the University of Liverpool. Two papers in the panel will focus on trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.
Archive Conservation Training Scheme Review
Rachel Louise Marsh, Organisational Development Consultant
In 2025, ARA decided to review the Archive Conservation Training Scheme to ensure it's survival in a changing environment of reduced staffing levels and financial pressures in the archive sector. This presentation will provide an overview of the outcomes, and also discuss some of the challenges faced by archive conservation in response to changes over the past 25 years.
Towards a Carbon Literate workforce: One year review and next steps from The National Archives
Dr Helen Wilson, Sector Development Manager - London And Science & Technology & Mr Tim Powell, Places of Deposit Manager, The National Archives, UK
The Carbon Literacy for Archives, Records and Special Collections Shareable Course, was launched at ARA 2024. Since then, The National Archives has been rolling out the training to archives across England with great success. We have been increasing the reach of the training by sharing the course materials with qualified members of the archive sector, in order for them to roll it out themselves to their organisations and networks. A year on from its launch, we evaluate the success of this training, highlight how you can access it, and announce our plans for further sector support in this area over the coming year.
Inaccessible Education/Inaccessible Profession: Presenting Lived Experiences of Disability, Chronic Illness, and Neurodiversity in Archival Education Programs
Dr. Michael Marlatt, Archival Accessibility Consultant
Accessibility in the archival profession has been overlooked. Very little quantitative and qualitative research exists that examines the lived experience of disabled archivists, neurodivergent archivists, and archivists with a chronic illness. The inaccessibility of the field arguably begins in the classroom. This conference presentation looks to open a collaborative dialogue between the UK, Ireland and North America about how to better implement accessibility strategies into our archival education programs to create a more accessible and equitable field.