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Progress Report 8

August 2000 - October 2000

Contents:

General Summary

Modules

  • Archives
  • Printed Sources
  • Awareness

Action Points

Appendix

General Summary of Activity

During the two months the focus has been on drafting the London Metropolitan Archives survey report and completing the Trade Union Congress Library and Modern Records Centre surveys. In addition, I conducted the survey at Wolverhampton Archive and Local Studies. Despite being short one staff member, it clear that the processes involved in researching, preparing and conducting surveys has been firmly established and based on this experience and the expertise of the team this aspect of the project continues to run smoothly. Full details of these activities can be found in the Archives section. We have also begun mapping printed collections in Higher education institutions related to Caribbean Studies and the study of Black and Asian peoples in Britain. This was greatly helped by Juliet Brown who worked on the database during her two-week placement. More details are given about this are given in the Printed Sources section.

We have continued to find ways to promote the aims of the project. Our listserve numbers have increased and although there is not much discussion, our members are kept abreast of events, conferences, and workshops that might be of interest. More details of the outreach work being done are given in the Awareness Section. The CASBAH website continues to develop we have spent time testing out the various frames and searching for ways in which to make the website more accessible, attractive and manageable. My comments about the IT module are posted on the CASBAH shared drive (CASBAH test website/reports section/in RSB folder). As far as housekeeping goes, the paper file system we have in place is slowly being re-vamped. Material has been taken out of the large blue, sectioned off into smaller, open-faced folders and placed back in the filing cabinet. The aim is make the filing system friendly to new users and to section off the material so that is can be more easily retrieved.

Modules

Archives

Figures: Number of surveys conducted: (4) LMA, TUC, MRC and WALS Number of record groups examined: LMA - 4 TUC - 3 MRC - 2 definite and 2 possible WALS - 7

LMA: The inputting work for the LMA was completed in the first week of September. The data and the survey report are now being examined and checked by Maxine Miller and Emma Stewart. The next step will be to spend 2-3 days with Maxine 'plumping up' the collection descriptions and the item references. A tentative date for this final step has been set for November. 20 - 23.

TUC: The data of the TUC subject index was completed and the photocopies returned to Chris Woods at the end of July. The inputting of the archive collections (Marjorie Nicholson and the WEA) continues. The next step will be to work on the keywords and authority lists.

MRC: The records of the Trades Union Congress covering the period 1970 - 1987 have been surveyed. The TUC records covering the period 1920 - 1960 will be sent to us in word format to be inputted once they have been retro-converted. The TUC records covering the period 1960 - 1970 will be taken from the archive hub. The records of the National Union of Seamen were successfully surveyed, but this record group needs to be tidied up. I was not able to complete the survey of the Transport and General Workers Union and although entered into the database, the records of the International Transport Workers' Federation have not been examined.

WALS:

My journal and notes can be found on the CASBAH shared drive (Wolverhampton/journal and notes). Below are some additional thoughts.

Methodological considerations: Preparation: Due to time constraints the records to be examined should be, if possible, ones that can be found at the HMC. It was only to the brevity of the archive collections that I was able to input as well as examine items. Indeed, it should be noted that this was the first survey where I was not confronted with huge record collections.

Record types and searching: When dealing with business records, it seems that unless you are doing a detailed genealogical search (last names as indicative of descent), or looking at industrial/political/social/ trade relations (as was the case at the MRC), the search for records related to our research groups becomes that much more difficult. This was clear when searching the records of GoodYear Tyre Company. GoodYear's photograph collection however, proved very useful. The fact remains that there are records related to our research groups but different methods of searching and records have to used (i.e., photographs, records listing names, records of social activities) have to be utilised.

Thinking about the collection descriptions: The Wolverhampton survey is the first where there is not to be a substantial amount of additional inputting to due once the survey has been conducted. For it was possible to strike a balance between record searching and the contextualising of the archive collections being looked at. By contexutalising, I mean getting background information regarding the repository, describing the collections as I went along, photocopying relevant information on Wolverhampton generally and getting answers to questions as they arose.

Contacts: Mary Mills was my main contact and her knowledge of Wolverhampton, the history of the archives and its organisation was crucial to the success of the survey. It is clear that when conducting surveys in small, local settings such as Wolverhampton is vital that you forge links with people who can provide this necessary body of information.

Printed Sources: Wolverhampton has a small but compact printed sources section that help to fill many of the gaps found in archive records (local government records in particular). The Newspaper Clippings, Pamphlet and book sections are the important collection groups.

Additional note: There are several books documenting Wolverhampton as a case study of Commonwealth migration, intensified multiculturalism and localised racism. Records can be found that reflect the historical impact of Black and Asian people in this town, just as records show (by way of their absence, their substantially weeded or their unlisted status) how this history is being remembered and archived. I stress that this is not purposeful and that the staff at WALS were more than open, encouraging and helpful. Rather it is a sign of how things have been done in the past.

The Multiple Archive Descriptions Database

Inputting the material gathered from Marika Sherwood's collection, and from the records passed to us from Andrew Lewis has yet to be done.

Printed Sources and Audio-Visual

Mapping Printed Sources: The aims of the mapping project are (1) To provide a broad view of where significant or specialised printed collections are housed; (2) To map out the academic departments and centres actively engaged in the development of these academic fields and (3) To raise the profile of academics active in the teaching and researching of Caribbean Studies and Black and Asian history in the UK. The database framing this mapping project covers: · Centres and Organisations (i.e., Institute of Race Relations, New Ethncities Centre, UEL) · Academic departments (i.e., Caribbean studies, UNL) · Embedded courses (i.e., Diasporic theory, UEL) · Individuals (i.e., researchers and academics) · Internet links (i.e.,BLINK)

Juliet Brown worked on the database for the first two weeks of September. She made use of the UCAS directory, the ILAS guide and the Internet to begin to search UK further education libraries. The aim was to list alphabetically the centres, departments, courses and scholars. This is an ongoing project and much more work needs to be done.

Awareness

Listserve Over the last two months the listserve has continued to grow in numbers. Events, articles and suggestions have been posted by team and listserve members. We have national and international enquires regarding our work, as well as requests for help in finding information.

Articles Articles have been submitted in university research newsletter to be published during Black history month and leaflets have been included in several conference packs.

Conferences, meetings and seminars Over the two months I have attended one conference (on race and ethnicity), one workshop (Basic Archive Skills), two meetings (the Steering Group Meeting where I took the minutes and the Society for Caribbean Studies Committee Meeting). At the conference CASBAH leaflets had been included in the info and promote throughout the conference. At the workshop, the project was again highlighted. The aim is to promote the project at the SCS meetings as much as possible.

Experts leaflet It is clear that the experts leaflet questionnaire is not particularly useful. Of the twenty I passed out, I only received five back. Attending seminars and conferences, and having leaflets included in information packs is by far the better option. Also in attending one can get copies of the participants and then chase them up on the Internet!

Action Points

Collate and assess results of TUC survey Collate and assess results of MRC survey Collate and assess results Wolverhampton survey Organise Institute of Race Relations Survey? Organise next out-of-London survey ?

***Decide whether to plan another trip to the MRC (or to stop the survey having completed full surveys of two and not four archive collections)

**Discuss the design of the new leaflets Discuss the frame and organising pages of the website

Extend the grid/map of institutions to be included and surveyed across UK

Appendix 1: Reflections of a project researcher

What exactly has been found in the surveys? Moreover, what has been learned about attempting to identify and map research resources in Caribbean Studies and the history of Black and Asian people in the UK?

LMA The LMA was the first survey and my training ground. Key methodological considerations that arose were (1) being clear about which item references to include; (2) finding ways to deal with out-dated or racist language; (3) chasing up leads that fell outside the selected records groups and (4) noting signs that indicated that the records related to projects research groups.

  • It was decided that only item -level records specifically related to Caribbean Studies or Black and Asian groups in Britain would be included. The description of the sub-collection or collection in which these item-level records were part would be 'plumped' up with additional information. An additional field was introduced entitled 'research interests' that would also alert a user to the potential use of a record group.
  • vOffensive words and phrases very much in the time of the record (i.e., the 'coloured immigrants') are placed in inverted comas to show that they have been taken from the actual record in question.
  • vAt the LMA, there was a degree of overlap within departments and committees and this meant it was possible to trace other record groups that might be of interest. This is how the Associations archive collection was found (and proved a rich source).
  • vIt quickly became clear that many references to Black and Asian groups during a particular period (1940 - 1950s) could be found based on use of inverted comas 'immigrants', 'new arrivals' and by code names (i.e., 'the twilight committee' and 'twilight children'. Being aware of the need to unpack and decipher such codes was noted

TUC The survey conducted at the TUC was the first surveyed where printed, as well as archival, sources were examined. Key issues that arose were: (1) subject headings, keywords and specificity; and (2) the need for a flexible methodological frame

  • vThe TUC provided us with a range of subject headings in which to begin to develop our keyword section. Having to go through the subject cards provided us with names, places, events, pamphlet titles and books that we were able to develop further once we were at the MRC. Working with TUC records, with their lists of names, numerous conferences and international outreach programmes revealed a need for specificity. What was clear was that we had to be able to make distinctions between records related to people and life in the Caribbean, and to Black and Asian people in the UK. Thus, records related to people from the Caribbean living in the UK were listed under Black. Records related to people of Asian descent living in the Caribbean were listed under Caribbean. Equally important was the need to as specific as possible in identifying peoples coming under the groups Asian and Black. Fields were introduced that allowed for this specificity and although this field has not often been used, such a field was deemed important (especially since this is a demonstrator project).
  • vBy this time, it was clear that having one methodology would not work. That what was needed was a flexible methodological frame what could work with the particularities of each repository, the various types of collections and the often unique development of the subject headings, archival arrangement and record listings we were coming across. Thus, there is no one set methodology, rather a number of slightly different methods of collection within the two broad headings of archive and printed sources. My role is to document as much as possible what is actually done, (as the process is as important as the deliverables!)

MRC The MRC marked the first survey conducted outside London. Points of note include:

  • Background research: This was the first time we were able to conduct detailed background research into the record groups to be examined. This meant that when we arrived at the MRC we had already inputted the records we wanted to look at. We were also able to make use of the archivehub to check which record groups could be lifted and pasted into our database. The downside of this however is the fact that a true assessment of the amount of time completing the survey would take could not be given. Moreover, there was to be a backlog of inputting to do.
  • Themes: By this time the idea of searching across a number of themes had been discussed and we were able to develop the themes of trade unions, businesses, and education as potential research record collection sources. It was also clear that more work would have to be done in putting the records in context (collection and sub descriptions).
  • Collaboration: Having completed the TUC survey ,and having spent some time examining Marika Sherwood's archive we were much more 'clued up' on events, dates, people and places which helped our sampling and data collecting. It was decided that whenever possible we would publicise our survey plans as a way in which to gain additional information on how best to proceed.

WALS

  • Lessons from Wolverhampton? That work was done on a small, local archive, and in a place with particular history (Enoch Powell, the numbers of Black and Asian people, its location in the Midlands and the fact that it is a small town) were all new factors to our survey work. The importance of having an expert on local history and the role of the repository and the importance of the newspapers as a chief source of information has been noted already. What can be taken from the Wolverhampton is the need to remain sensitive to the very different contexts from which we are extracting our information for this project.
  • Examples of item-level references:

LMA

  • LCC/Children's Department/Children in Care/Miscellaneous papers and files/League of Coloured Peoples Ltd/ Admin history: The League was established in 1931 and incorporated into a limited liability company in 1953. It's aim was to 'provide facilities for the adoption of coloured children in Great Britain' (taken from a report in the file dated March 13th, 1958). Scope and content: Correspondence and notes on the activities of the League in trying to establish itself as a government registered adoption agency.
  • LCC/Clerk's Department/Housing/Immigration of West Indians and coloured Colonials/ Scope and content: The file contains correspondence regarding and information (pamphlets and questionnaires) on the work of the Institute of Race Relations (c 1959). There is information on the African, African - Caribbean and Asian communities covering housing, education, births, employment, health and crime, and details of the responses of departmental officials when asked about issues of race and ethnicity. The file also contains notes and reports on 'Immigration of West Indians' (dated March 3rd, 1955). The reports cover the welfare department, housing, education… and provide a good over-view of life for the African - Caribbean community in the mid 1950s. Reference is made to the League of Coloured Peoples, the organisation set up to house and find jobs as well as find places for children.
  • vLCC/Children's Department/Miscellaneous papers and files/'C' Division: Special Groups/ Admin history: The 'C' division of the Children's department was concerned with children of colour, although it was made clear that the activities of the committee were not to be made public. The children were Africans, African Caribbean, and Asian children as well as those children 'whose parents spoke foreign languages'. Scope and content: Includes the work of Mrs Lewis, a black matron in charge of Ladywell Nursery during this period; the problems of finding homes for the children; the ongoing discussion with commissioners and consulates - including reports and letters about the meetings with the West Indies Commission and Pakistan High commissioner. Also listed are the names of organisations contacted for advice and consultation, newspapers covering the children in care are detailed (The Daily Mail (May 20th, 1960), the Daily Harold (20.5.60) and the Sunday Times (May 22.1960), and an extract of the House of Common debate. There is correspondence related to the first ad specifically concerned with the 'race' of a child - Angela Broadley from Ladywell Nursery. There are also details of discussions held on how to define children of colour and information regarding African, African - Caribbean and Asian newspapers.

TUC

  • MN/box6/892/1/ Biographies Scope and content: This series contains the biographies of Caribbean and African men who were great leaders in the countries of their origin. Articles and press clippings include those on Kwame Nkrumah in London, Ras Makkonen, Henry Pollit and George Padmore
  • MN/box14/932/ COLONIAL LABOUR - TUC Scope and content: Included is a list of trade unions in the British colonial territories [later overseas territories], 1954, 1957, 1958, 1961, based on information available in the Colonial Office with a summary giving the numbers of unions and their membership by territories

MRC

  • MSS.292D/ Box 1944- 1957/file 805.9-805.93)/Sociology: People and Human Relations-Colour Problems and Racial Discrimination Scope and content: This sub-series contains correspondence, reports, papers, conference proceedings, speeches, pamphlets, press releases and news clippings. The reports include those from the Select Committee on Race Relations and Immigration and the TUC Equal Opportunities Committee. Issues covered include housing, welfare, education, employment and discriminatory practices. There are also records of the charity organisations involved in anti-discriminatory policy-making and a listing of ethnic minority organisations of the period address the wide range of issues facing the Black and Asian communities. There are also records detailing trade unions charged with discriminatory practices and of not representing their members. These records include correspondence, complaint applications and reports on proceedings. There are also records related to the work of the Community and race relations committee and the TUC work on race relations.
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