Square pegs in round holes Fitting public archaeology into research agendas
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 06/06/2014

David Connolly - Square pegs in round holes Fitting public archaeology into research agendas

At IfA Conference 2014 in Glasgow.

Archaeology has traditionally perceived itself as a discipline that uncomfortably straddles academic professionalism and amateur
research, with the constant argument that pervades the archaeological community where national research agendas and professional peer reviewed publication are ideals that can rarely -- if ever - be met by community and public archaeology project given their haphazard workflow, lesser standards of archaeological
recording and lack of direction within the overarching agendas
This paper hopes to first dispel the myth that commercial/academic research are somehow separated from the potential for project bias and random choice of site. The second part will then view the various contributions to research that is possible within public projects. In effect, a model of 'order from chaos' which should be examined as a valid methodology -- based on two recent cases in East Lothian. Finally the established model will be examined to suggest a project pattern that accepts it's shortcomings and builds on positive factors to create a realistic design to produce a viable project outcome that both fits into pre-existing flexible research agendas and involves the community not as peripheral assistants but active participants. The whole and the hole can be filled to everyone's satisfaction.

All videos from this conference session:

'Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q39xSwO0Ors

Scotland's Coastal Heritage at Risk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAGUbieUgWg

Adopt-a-Monument -- Everyone's Heritage?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWVIdJhUrMY

Community archaeology -- The attitudes and approaches of commercial archaeologists
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4sy9R4Q-ms

Community archaeology and regional research: who's best placed to deliver?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bf2KSJQzYg

The role of Local Government Archaeologists in translating research into practice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moEYf_9ud6I

Square pegs in round holes Fitting public archaeology into research agendas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3lNzd7dVg

'Into the Great Wide Open? The sustainability of community archaeology in the long run'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD7DQJ-kKZM

The things we think and do not say: the future of our business.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZg0XZYXKZo

Zero Budget Archaeology in Local Authorities as Both a Service and a Research Tool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etRAPDWBCro