Community / County archivist receives distinguished service award
LOCAL archivist Brian Smith has been recognised for decades of service to archives and recordkeeping.
The county archivist was due to receive a distinguished service award at the excellence awards ceremony held by the Archives and Records Association in Chester last night (Thursday).
Smith decided against travelling to the Northwest of England and is now likely to receive his award at a small ceremony to be held locally at some time in the future.
He has been the local record keeper for 46 years, starting in 1976 as the first archivist ever appointed by Shetland Islands Council.
The award’s citation says he started working on his own from what had previously been a single bedroom, and has since then gathered, collected and developed the service to what it is today.
“As he grew the collection it twice moved to larger premises and now operates from a purpose-built set of rooms including a search room, offices, and larger storage area and there are also now assistants to help with the work,” the association said.
“As well as bringing the archive together he also has a very detailed knowledge of Shetland documents and is a prolific author.
“Brian is generous with his help to all comers to the archive. Many books have been published which specifically name him for thanks for support and advice during the research.”
Speaking to Shetland News on Thursday night, Smith was keen not to make too much “fuss” about this national recognition.
He said: “I am grateful to the people who nominated me for the award. I very much enjoy looking after the raw material of Shetland’s history and helping people who want to consult it.”
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