Introduction by the National
Archivist
In today's information
society, the internet plays a vital communications role. The National Archives
is a crucial player in this rapidity-changing information society. We have a
very important mission to fulfill. The National Archives Act (V-2005)
challenges us with the responsibility to "preserve the collective memory
of the Maltese nation...". This is not an easy task to fulfill.
During the last
eighteen years, the National Archives did an excellent job. We managed to equip
three reading rooms and provide research services to a very diverse audience.
We are now at the cross-roads of a very exciting challenge. We have to install
in the Public Service the vision of nation-wide effective records management.
We cannot preserve the collective memory of the nation if our records remain
rotting away in hidden basements.
The second challenge
is electronic records. We are here to preserve all public records whether they
are e-mail, films, audio-tapes or other media that will be created in future.
In so doing there is a learning curve we have to go through.
This challenging
vision can only be fulfilled if we work in close collaboration with all
stakeholders. The step we are now taking with the setting of the web-site aims
to inform but also build bridges with our audience. I invite you to make best
use of this site through interactive communication. its success will depend on
your feedback, and our timely reaction to your views. Let us take this
challenge and use information technology to make our lives better.
Dr. Charles J Farrugia Ph.D