Changes at The National Archives at Kew?

The National Archives (in Great Britain, not the one in the U.S.) has issued a rather mysterious notice. An online announcement refers to "a number of proposed changes at The National Archives" but gives no details.

The announcement states:

We will be closed to the public at Kew for the afternoon of Monday 29 June from 14:00.

This is to enable us to brief all staff on a number of proposed changes at The National Archives.

You are invited to attend one of our open information meetings where Jeff James, Director of Public Services, will take you through these proposals.  The meetings will take place at Kew:

• 12:15 on Thursday 2 July in the talks room, first floor reading room
• 10:00 on Saturday 11 July in the talks room, first floor reading room

We will be publishing this information on nationalarchives.gov.uk on 2 July 2009, for those unable to attend either meeting.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Any guess as to the changes?

Comments

[Caroline Gurney]

It may have something to do with this consultation document: http://www.mla.gov.uk/what/strategies/~/media/Files/pdf/2009/archives-for-the-21st-century-england . One of the recommendations is "Fewer, Bigger, Better", so perhaps mergers are afoot? TNA also seem to be stepping up a gear on digitisation, which is another recommendation in the consultation document. See the emphasis on digitisation in the job description for this senior management position: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/jd-head-of-imp-external.pdf .

[Sarah Minney]

These changes involve:

1). Reduction of staff, including experts, who would be made redundant.

2). Closure of the Archives on Mondays

3). Withdrawl of microfilm/microfiche records (some digitalised, many not).

4). Charging for car parking.

Does that help? There is a lot of concern from the users and staff alike that the long term plan is to actually close the National Archives and the only access will be "on-line".

Look at the National Archives web site under "proposed Changes" for further information.

Regards,
Sarah Minney
England