The future of archives

[mattelton]

The government has set out its vision for the future of Britain's archives in a recent paper, entitled Archives for the 21st Century. Our columnist Alan Crosby is still to be convinced, suggesting that behind the aspirational rhetoric there is a worrying focus on money-making at the expense of archival expertise.

What do you make of the document? Do you think its goals will provide for the future of Britain's historical resources, or are there other improvements you think are more important to help family historians?

[horlicks]

Does the Report say anything about the National Archives moving totally to Milton Keynes in around 2020? I know someone who works there. The staff know about it so why do we the public?

[thoscurrell]

A move from Kew might be desirable - has anyone else noticed during a visit to TNA how near it is to the approach to Heathrow? All it would take is one terrible moment and what would happen to our archives?