WIREDGOV

The Government is asking people for their views on its proposal for a new policy on archives, published recently.

The consultation document, Archives for the 21st century, seeks to build the foundations for a sustainable future for archival services, responding to the challenges of the digital age and the opportunities to make archives accessible to a wider range of people.

Comments on the policy proposals are welcomed from all parties interested in archives, including local authorities, universities, individual information professionals, archival organisations and the general public.

Michael Wills, Justice Minister with responsibility for The National Archives, said: 'Publicly funded archives have a vital role to play in society: they are the custodians of our collective memory, and an integral part of a healthy and robust democracy. It is crucial that archival services are able to embrace the digital revolution and start addressing the complex challenges this has created.'

'I would encourage anyone with an interest in archives to participate in this consultation, and look forward to hearing people's opinions on our proposals,' Mr Wills added.

Commenting on the importance of archives within the community, Culture Minister, Barbara Follett, said: 'Our archives hold the stories of our past and therefore play a unique role in building understanding and learning for our future. It is important that public archives are easily accessible, whether that is in physical buildings or online, so that the benefit is spread to as wide a range of people as possible.'

Baroness Andrews, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, also commented on the crucial role of archives: 'Archives play a fundamental role in shaping our sense of individual, community and national identity and place. They make a valuable contribution to local democracy and accountability, and to learning, history and culture within the communities they serve.'

The consultation will run for a period of 12 weeks, until 12 August. To take part, go to nationalarchives.gov.uk/archivesconsultation