Inleidende Argiefwerkswinkel | Introductory Archive Workshop

The well-known archivist Pétria de Vaal will again present an introductory, bilingual archiving workshop at the Taalmonument in Paarl from 25 to 27 May 2022. This popular course, presented for the seventh year, is suitable for librarians, museum and heritage workers, records staff and archive assistants.

De Vaal is a qualified archivist with many years of experience in the fields of records management and archives. As a consultant, researcher, heritage worker, project leader and trainer she came across the necessity and importance for libraries, registries (records centres), museums and other related disciplines to work together and to learn more about archiving.

“Staff that are not trained as archivists are often thrown into the deep end to look after their organisations’ unpublished documentary collections,” says De Vaal. “This introductory three-day workshop is designed for all information officers to learn what they need to know in terms of archiving; no previous knowledge is required.

The workshop includes practical sessions and focusses on topics such as the differences between libraries, archives, museums and registries; acquisition and collection; appraisal (including the value of records and disposal instructions); sorting and arrangement; description/indexing; preservation; disaster recovery plan; and tips on making the archives accessible.

The workshop costs R2 000 per person and takes place daily from 09:00 to 16:00 in the Conference Room in the Visitor Centre at the Taalmonument. Visits to the monument as well as tea and coffee are included, but participants must bring their own lunch or can support the ATM Koffiehuis. For details and bookings, contact Jeffrey Pietersen on 021 872 3441 or send an e-mail to bemarking2@taalmuseum.co.za.

The Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument annually presents a whole series of courses and workshops focusing on the development of basic professional skills. This year’s programme includes an Arabic Afrikaans workshop, book repair (October) and photography (November). Anyone interested in related subjects are welcome to make suggestions for additional workshops.

For more information on all the other exciting events, concerts and courses at the Taalmonument, call 021 872 3441/863 0543, visit taalmonument.co.za or follow them on Facebook. The website also offers virtual tours of the monument and museum, information in six languages on the symbolism of the Taalmonument as well as many interesting articles on Afrikaans, multilingualism and the institution’s past, present and future. There are also many resources for school and research projects. THE LANGUAGE MONUMENT AND LANGUAGE MUSEUM ARE OPEN TO VISITORS. Annual permits are available at R120 for individuals or R220 per family, which includes access to all Full Moon Picnics.