Focus group 2: Describing archives – How do we transmit our knowledge?

This event is for UAL staff and students only, a UAL ID card will be needed to enter the site and attend.

In this workshop, we’ll invite participants to scrutinise our recently updated UAL Archival Cataloguing Guidelines 2025. These form the basis for how we arrange and describe archival material in our care. We want to consider the structure of the guidelines, and read specific content together. We'll interrogate the guidelines both individually and as a group. Particular areas of focus may include the guidelines’, accessibility, practicality and their length. Participants will have access to the full guidelines in advance of the session. We will not expect participants to read the guidelines in their entirety ahead of the session. Participants will find it helpful to be familiar with the contents and be prepared to discuss particular sections of the guidelines.

At the end of this workshop, we want to gather concrete proposals to improve the guidelines. We want to ensure they support equity, diversity and inclusion across our cataloguing practices. We also want to avoid reinforcing forms of erasure/silencing, dispossession and dehumanisation within western archival practice.

Accessibility: London College of Communication strives to provide an inclusive and accessible environment for our students and visitors. For full access and route guides for our building, please view our AccessAble accessibility guide.

Content Guidance: Exhibitions at London College of Communication often address a range of social issues and mature themes. We recommend that children and vulnerable adults are always accompanied.

Space, lighting and sound levels will vary. Sounds can be high-volume and play suddenly without warning. Some visual effects may be disorientating.

Find us: London College of Communication is located close to central London in Elephant and Castle. The College is based on a single site within easy reach of various parts of the city, and is well-served by Underground, bus and rail networks. Find out more about getting here on Find Us page.

Filming and Photography: Please note that filming and photography may be taking place at this event. Both bigger crowds, smaller groups and individuals may be captured on camera. All imagery and footage may at some point be published on the College website, social media channels, and in print.

If you have any specific access requirements for an event or exhibition at all please contact us by email ([email protected]) or phone (020 7514 8498) in advance of your visit, so that we can make any necessary preparations or adjustments.

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Host or Publisher London College of Communication, UAL