1. IMSIG survey 2015 Analysis of results

2. Respondents 64 returns out of 423 members (15%) 72% full time, 22% part time, 6% students Fairly even age and gender distribution Mostly working in England though all UK represented, and 4 from outside UK

3. Respondents

4. Job Titles – very varied Most common were Director (8) Researcher (6) Consultant (6) HER Officer (5) Senior Archaeologist (4)

5. Threats and challenges What are the greatest threats and challenges that you face as an information management professional? Variety of responses, common factors: Unreliable or inaccurate data Lack of resources Lack of understanding by managers

7. IMSIG Competency profiles Overwhelming support for creation of these to assist new and upgrading members of CIfA and the Validation committee through the membership process

9. Suggested Topics Very wide variety of answers but some common threads: Data management, gathering, storage and archiving How records are used in practice Information standards and metadata Some specific formats eg GIS, Geophysical data, photogrammetry Data sharing – Linked, Big, Open - Copyright Software recommendations

10. Skills to help non-IM specialists Knowledge of data gathering and databases, data standards and metadata, thesauri, terminology and naming conventions Understanding user requirements and thinking about end products Awareness of how dissemination and retrieval is easier when standards are adhered to Specifications for work that will meet appropriate standards Understanding of importance of archiving

11. How IMSIG could help to protect digital resources Lobby local and national government Work via CIfA with Registered Organisations to promote best practice Adhere to mantra ‘Create once, use many times’ Promote establishment and use of authoritative digital archives with skilled staff – ADS? Provide more training including information on saving and storing digital information Contribute to CIfA responses to relevant consultations Work with industry on long term solutions and data standards Consult with IM specialists from outside archaeology Disseminate best practice Make IT systems more user-friendly

12. Suggested Partner Organisations ADS ALGAO BCS – the Chartered Institute for IT CADW CBA CIfA Archives group CILIP Digital Preservation Coalition EAA – European Association of Archaeologists EH/HE FISH General - Archaeological Societies and Groups General – contractors and consultancies General – IM Professionals General – local authorities General – museums including those in trusts General – university libraries HEIRNET HER Forum Heritage Gateway Historic Scotland ICOMOS-UK IEMA ISO MDA Museums eg through Society of Museum Archaeology National Trust OASIS The Collections Trust The National Archives UKOLN

14. How IMSIG could support members Lobbying and advocacy Promotion of this branch of the profession Training and updates Advice Annual event Regular communication eg email, newsletter Integration with other groups Establish a qualification Not sure

15. What members could offer Mentoring Hosting a session Commenting in online discussions Liaison with other groups Recruiting members