ResCEW - Deposits and Acquisitions
The Research Centre for Evacuee and War Child Studies (ResCEW) collects and preserves historical and contemporary materials that document the evacuation experiences and processes of war children evacuated within the UK and those who went overseas, either privately or under the auspices of CORB. It also contains information from other war-child organisations across Europe.
What sorts of material is acceptable?
In general, we seek to acquire written and verbal accounts from evacuees and war children, plus items that illustrate the time of evacuation and the life of the evacuee. The archive welcomes material in all media, manuscripts, correspondence, postcards, photographs, film and video.
Are there any formalities?
Yes. You would need to request the terms & conditions for deposits from the ResCEW . You need to agree with the terms & conditions and sign the deposit form and return the signed form with your deposit to the address on this information sheet.
How should I prepare my material?
First and foremost, think about how future researchers will use your material, ie. try to keep the material in its original order. This means that photographs should remain with letters if they belonged to the letter in the first instance. The letter should be kept in a chronological order. A bundle of photographs should remain in its intended sequence. If you are depositing a written account it would be helpful if you remain clear about places, people and organisations, i.e. if you use nicknames or abbreviations provide an explanation or key. Please do not put any contact addresses on your written account.
What if I am sending someone else's collection?
Please check if you have the legal authority to transfer the material and its associated copyright to the University of Reading.
What packing material should I use?
Please use new envelopes or cartons which should be tightly packed and probably sealed with strong plastic tape around its girth. Finally please ensure that you enclose the terms & conditions and the form on its reverse page, specifying what you have sent.
How should I send my collection to the ResCEW Archive?
We would recommend you sending your material by recorded mail.
How will the archive acknowledge my deposit?
As soon we have received your material, we will send you an acknowledgement letter including a photocopy of your signed deposit form and the terms & conditions for your records.
Who is going to have access to my material?
We have to comply with the Act of Freedom of Information which comes into effect in January 2005. This means that the general public has access to all sorts of material with some exemptions, specified in the above mentioned act. However, we also have to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. The researcher/enquirer who is going to access your material will be obliged not to use your name or the name of a third person within its research results/publications. In case of documents of a sensitive nature a copy of the original will be supplied to the researcher/enquirer in which names are deleted. Only under very exceptional circumstances will we pass on personal information, i.e. contact details to a third person.
How do other people learn about my material?
The ResCEW has a website http://www.reading.ac.uk/education/ on which a general description of our collection is posted. Further, the Evacuation Reunion Association (ERA) and various University agencies will support us in promoting our collection across the United Kingdom. Advertising campaigns in relevant Historical Journals will be another means of promoting our exciting collection.
Where to send my material including my terms & conditions acceptance form?
Please send your material to: Jennifer Glanville
Museum of English Rural Life (MERL)
University of Reading,
Redlands Road,
Reading,
Berkshire
Email: j.glanville@reading.ac.uk