Book review: Ethics, accountability and record-keeping
Title of Book
Ethics, Accountability and Recordkeeping in a Dangerous World
Author
Cox, Richard J
ISBN
185604596X
Publisher
Facet
Publisher Website
http://www.facetpublishing.co.uk/index.shtml
Reviewer Name
Anne Donnelly
Title
Librarian
Contact Details
Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh
Review
Richard Cox, Professor of Archival Studies at the School of Information Science, University of Pittsburgh, presents a collection of his own essays from 2000-2005 which explore a range of issues and challenges affecting the work of the archivist in the 21st century and, indeed, the very nature of archives themselves. There is, however, much of general relevance to those of us who work in the field of library and information service provision. These include Cox’s acknowledgement, for example, of the essential tension between the conflicting demands of data protection legislation and the need for freedom of information, and the necessity for a resolution which achieves the correct balance for all concerned. Similarly, many of us will have experienced the demands placed upon us as individuals and as a profession by the issues of censorship and rapid technological development. One recognises, too, the contemporary “non-discerning, vacuous faith in the collection and dissemination of information as a route to social progress” for which Cox has helpfully coined the term ‘informationism’. (1)
This is a densely-packed but well-indexed book, focusing on issues too varied and complex adequately to be covered here; its ten chapters present a content which explores the nuances of the practical, ethical, political and philosophical aspects of the contemporary world of archives and record keeping. From the outset the reader is made very aware of Professor Cox’s approach and where, to use that ubiquitous contemporary phrase, ‘he is coming from’. Going no further than the Preface, liberally festooned with Biblical references, he gives the impression of a man with a mission to evangelise fellow archivists and “raise their consciousness about the ethical dimensions of their disciplines” (2). Subsequent chapters cover a range of issues, discussed in terms which range from the prosaic to the apocalyptic.
Cox admits at the outset that his observations and reflections relate very much to the North American scene, being what he knows best, while expressing a confidence that those working in other parts of the world should still be able to relate to it. His discussion of some of the specifics of record keeping, and the technology which is employed in this area, proved a little too dry for this reviewer. Also, being substantially unfamiliar with the prevailing discourse in this sphere of activity, I came to this book lacking knowledge of the debate to which Cox’s essays contribute. His lengthy accounts, too, of the history of the United States’ own national archives similarly failed to engage me.
Other chapters, however, in which Cox reflects more generally on the implications for the record keeper of the current ‘age of terror’, touch on themes which have an altogether more general appeal. It is his assertion, for example, that records professionals, who often work in government/government-funded institutions which could be tempting targets for terrorists, need to give some thought to the types of situation which the current political situation could engender and consider making appropriate changes to their professional practice. Existing ethics codes, he concludes, are inadequate to the challenges which lie ahead and a major re-think, combined with a review of the overall mission of the records professional, is now required. In addition to the threat to their personal security posed by working within possible terrorist targets, Cox foresees a situation where, for example, those with privileged access to information which might counter government anti-terrorist policy could well turn the professional from record keeper to whistleblower. He recognises, too, the degree to which the secrecy which generally attends a real or perceived wartime situation is in conflict with the democratic ideals of civil liberties in general and freedom of information in particular. The uses and abuses of information technology touch many aspects of our lives and it is an easy matter to extrapolate from Cox’s specific observations about his own profession to conclusions about how his ‘dangerous world’ impacts on our own lives in general.
Given this book’s wide-ranging and complex content, the above review has been necessarily selective and unavoidably reductive. Cox is very much an academic and his extensive list of references offers the interested reader many further lines of enquiry to pursue. However, the fact that this is a collection of essays written over a period of several years also made it somewhat disjointed. I felt, too, that its US-bias, although understandable, might diminish its appeal somewhat. On the other hand, I liked its self-contained chapters, each with its own collection of manageable sub-sections and conclusion. Despite its specific focus on the world of the professional archivist, it nevertheless touches on many issues which affect human society at large. Given that this is not intended as a textbook on the topic or, I would suggest, a book which necessarily requires reading in its entirety, it is one which can easily be dipped into according to the specific interests of the reader.
1. Cox, Richard J. Ethics, accountability and recordkeeping in a dangerous world. London: Facet; 2006. p.137.
2. Ibid. p.xx.