General Info
Vision
The National Archives of Malta aims to preserve the collective
memory of the Maltese nation and protect the rights of citizens
through ready access to essential evidence
Mission
The National Archives of Malta aims to select, preserve
and make available the national archives in whatever medium,
to the highest standards. This is achieved through: -
- Overseeing records management practices in government
departments and agencies
- Managing those records of enduring
value
- Encourage archival activities and the archival community
Records come in different forms. These include; written
documents, seals, maps, photographs, moving images, audio
material, and electronic records. Records are closed for
30 years, following which most records are open for public
inspection. Anyone with proper identification can inspect
the documents.
The National Archives offers a number of services including
reprographic facilities, reading room services, and advice
on research procedures. The general structure of the archives
department is sub-divided into: administration; cataloguing
and records management unit; and public services.
Administration
The administration of the National Archives
incorporates the general direction of the services, the coordination
of accessions from government departments, and the representation
in national co-ordinating bodies such as the National
Archives Advisory Committee. Specialised advice on research,
paleography,
and contacts with international research institutions
are also carried out.
Cataloguing and Records Management Unit
A challenging cataloguing project was
the issuing of a cd listing more than 40,000 passport applications.
This was issued in 2001. New offices were assigned to the cataloguing
unit during the year 2002. Specialised training on the use
of computer software programmes and ISAD(G) has been provided
to the personnel involved in the cataloguing process. The latest
project was the issuing of the second catalogue (GOV fonds)
in cd format.
Public Services
The main aim of our services is to provide
access to the nation's archival records. For this reason the
public services
division
provides research services and also collates information
about our patrons. A user's survey is available in the
reading rooms, and can also be filled on-line.
Outreach Outreach initiatives form an important element in the services
offered by the archives staff. The chapel of the old hospital
has been developed into an important cultural exhibition
venue. Its facilities are available for third parties involved
in the promotion of educational and cultural values
Archives Conference in Malta
Between
21 and 23 October 2002, Malta hosted the first ever international
archives conference. The theme discussed was
'Converging Frontiers: Regional Co-operation in the Archives
Sector'. The outcome of the conference
was a set of recommendations which were later presented during the CITRA conference in Marseilles in October
2002.
Have Your Say
If you have a question or want advice
about our holdings, services, and activities, please contact
us through the
contact page.
We cannot do research for you, but we can support your
research
by giving expert advice on all aspects of research. You
can also write to us at the address shown on the main
page of
this web-site.
We are also interested in your comments and suggestions. We
appreciate your praise for our services, but value your criticism
and all the feedback we get. Your views will help us improve
this site and our services.
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