Sonderband 2. International Council on Archives. Dritte Europäische Archivkonferenz, Wien 11. bis 15. Mai 1993. Tagungsprotokolle (1996)

1. Session / Séance. Experiences gained, current Situation, future Prospects / Expériences acquises, Situation actuelle, Perspectives futures - Hall, Kenneth: Perspectives opened up by the Maastricht Symposium / Perspectives ouvertes par le Symposium de Maastricht (english 41 - français 48)

1. Session/Séance: Hall, Maastricht Symposium

What would be the role of ICA in relation to such conferences? One could argue that it should not be the organiser, but rather the facilitator and supporter. It could, for example, advise on logistics. It could assist with applications for funding or commercial sponsorship. It could assist with identifying potential speakers. The ICA could also ensure that there was no clash of interest or duplication of effort in relation to more established forums such as Congresses. I do not mean to argue that conferences like the Maastricht Symposium could in any way replace existing structures, but rather that they could form a useful supplementary device to increase participation in the ICA and to widen the debate of particular issues. The Symposium was a considerable success, not because of what it decided, but because of the opportunity it afforded to so many mid-career archivists for active participation at an international level. Its success also lies in the fact that it facilitated spontaneity. It is not always possible to copy success, but it may be worth trying to adapt a successful strategy.

The Royal Netherlands Society of Archivists is to be congratulated on the imaginative way in which it chose to share the celebration of its centenary with the international archival community. It demonstrated a vigour worthy of admiration by its younger sister associations and augurs well for its future progress and prosperity.

47