The training cycle on the archival treatment of Lasallian documents, organised by the International Society of Lasallian Archivists (SILA), regarding the international standardised norm ISAD’G for archival description, concluded on Monday 11 November.
The training process included three webinars that brought together archivists, librarians and experts in documentary heritage, belonging to six Districts of the Lasallian Region of Latin America (RELAL), to address the importance of achieving standardised descriptions using the ISAD’G international standard as a tool within the context of Lasallian archives.
The meeting was moderated by Ms Yajayra Grajeda, of the District of Central America-Panama, who opened the meeting by underlining the importance of proper document management in educational institutions, particularly in those with a rich historical tradition such as the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
The main presentation was given by the archivist Mariana Artero, from the Argentina-Paraguay District, who developed some theoretical concepts around documentary description and the existing international standards, which offer a standardised framework for the description of archival collections and documents. Mariana deepend into the ISAD’G standard as a tool that not only facilitates the organisation of archives, but also ensures interoperability and access to documents.
In his speech, he stressed that the standard is designed to be flexible and applicable to any type of archive, which makes it a very useful tool for Lasallian institutions, which often handle a vast amount of administrative, pedagogical and religious documents. Through this standard, Lasallian documents can be described in a homogeneous way, facilitating accessibility and retrieval of information.
The theoretical concepts were complemented by a practical session in which the participants, belonging to different communities, District Secretariats, Lasallian schools and universities, were able to share their descriptions in a dynamic way.
At the close of the virtual event, the participants agreed on the importance of adopting standardised international regulations to improve the management and preservation of the documentary heritage of the Lasallian institutions to which they belong. In addition, the need to promote spaces for training and collaboration between archivists from different regions of the world was highlighted, in order to share experiences and strengthen the Lasallian archival network.
This series of webinars is the fruit of an ongoing effort by SILA to promote knowledge and best practices in the conservation of the heritage of the Congregation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
