PARBICA Conferences
PARBICA 13 REPORT
Brisbane, Australia
October 12-17, 2009
The Pacific Regional Branch International Council on Archives (PARBICA) had its biennial meeting held in Brisbane, Australia, which was also part of a joint conference with the Australian Society of Archivists and the Archives and Records Association of New Zealand from October 12-17, 2009. This was a terrific opportunity to meet leaders of institutions and associations responsible for records and archives from throughout the Pacific, as well as to strengthen the relationship with PARBICA. It also provided an opportunity to outreach with these leaders, and tell them about ICAS and the voluntary services that our organization provides. Some of the archivists of this region have already formed a relationship with ICAS, and their highly recommended endorsement to other leaders was extremely appreciated.
The joint conference also provided the opportunity to attend workshops, panel discussions, and lectures on a variety of archival topics. The theme for this conference was Voyaging Together: Memory, Integrity, Sustainability. With so many programs to choose from throughout the week, the goal was to focus on the ones that would be relevant for the operations of ICAS. PARBICA held an all day training session on Training the Trainer and how to give an effective training presentation. Much of our work will center on training, so this workshop came at the right time. Other attended workshops and lectures worth noting included: Advocacy for Small Archives, Sustainability-Collaboration, Sustainability- Archival Buildings, Memory- Cultural Heritage, Integrity- Freedom of Information in the Pacific Islands, and Digital Recordkeeping.
All in all, it was a very productive week in Brisbane. It was a time to partake in a few learning experiences, but more importantly it was essential to form new relationships and solidify established partnerships. Although many of these archival institutions sit on tiny specks of land in the most remote part of the Pacific, the conference reminded them that they are not alone. They should take comfort in the fact that organizations, like ICAS, are here to help preserve their cultural heritage, and that we are all truly voyaging together.