https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131518 2026-04-11T11:50:07Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132053 Title: The Maltese parliament archives post-2017 Parliamentary service act Abstract: The underlying objective of this research entitled “The Maltese Parliament Archives post-2017 Parliamentary Service Act” is to identify and evaluate the approaches through which the professional and efficient management of the Maltese Parliamentary Archives is implemented. Up to the time of writing, no study has been carried out focusing on this research area. Thus, this study is of a pioneering and exploratory nature. Its significance surfaces given the actual and potential contribution of the archives in building awareness and educating the public on both parliamentary and legislative developments. The methodology adopted capitalized on the qualitative approach via interviews. These were addressed to representatives and personnel engaged within the archives section of three distinct European Parliaments - The House of Representatives in Malta, the Chamber of Deputies in Italy and the Westminster counterpart in the UK. The research outcomes indicated that these distinct archives pursued different traditions and approaches. This is the result of the distinct political and historical cultures of the respective countries. All parliamentary archives adopted strict criteria for securing the validity of documents and guaranteeing a high level of efficiency and support to users. Distinct levels of importance were granted to on-site and online research. These outcomes are significant to assess not only the current approaches adopted by the archive section of the Maltese House of Representatives but also in securing a meaningful incremental contribution in this regard. This is summed up in the set of recommendations targeted at the distinct stakeholders of the House of Representatives as presented at the end of the dissertation. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132052 Title: The Notarial Archives of Gozo : notarial records and their historical significance Abstract: This research aims to explore the functions of the Notarial Archives of Gozo in serving the public. These archives not only preserve and protect notarial acts but also bring these documents to life as a window to the past. Through these notarial acts, we gain insights into historical social norms and economic trends. It is crucial for people to recognise the significance of such archives, not only for their legal value but also for their role in enhancing our understanding of history. By studying these documents, we uncover new knowledge about daily activities and uncover previously overlooked details, providing valuable information that unlocks new perspectives on the past. This research begins by outlining the history of the Notarial Archives in Malta, which is significant in the creation of an archive in Gozo. hen gaining a better understanding of the history such archive withholds, one would gain a better understanding of the valuable material that curates the archive, and how such documents that back centuries. This knowledge would then lead to the next part of the research, that is the description of the types of collections that were brought forward by the Notarial Archives Foundation. However, accessibility to these documents relies heavily on the professionalism of the archive's management, which will be discussed starting from the second chapter. This chapter will also cover the preservation methods and conservation practices used to protect these documents. Preservation alone does not ensure accessibility, so the following chapter will assess the archive's accessibility. It opens up with a description of the cataloguing processes and the overall services provided by the archive, supported by data gathered from questionnaires completed by archive users. This research is the concluded by an analysis that is given in the final chapter and recommendations that can be put forward in improving the services that the archive provides. Description: B.KIM. (Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/132051 Title: Understanding authenticity : a case study of the agricultural records at the national archives of Malta Abstract: This long essay will focus on the understanding of documentary authenticity in the Maltese context from an archival point of view by analysing Maltese agricultural records. Chapter 2 gives a general overview of the understanding of authenticity from the Anglo-American and the Italian archival schools, and their relationship with Civil and Common Law. Furthermore, these two perspectives will be combined in order to reflect the hybridity of the Maltese law. Moreover, the case study of the agricultural records, known as Farmers Registration Code (FRC) records, has been adopted due to the various documentary typologies linked to this system. In addition, these records were/are used in Law Court litigations as they are the oldest records in Malta providing information about the farmers who are working the lands and their rights on them. Chapter 3 aims to provide a better understanding of the history, production, preservation, and legal purpose of these records. Thanks to interviews with main protagonists in the creation, use and archiving of these records, the authentication analysis is explained in Chapters 4 and 5. Furthermore, Chapter 5 delves into the results of the data collection and analysis of the FRC records, especially their intrinsic and extrinsic elements. Lastly, samples of authority records can be found in the appendix of this long essay as a way of creating access points to this complex network of records, together with additional information which will surely be of interest to those reading this work. In conclusion, this groundwork research discusses the documentary authenticity of public records, created, used, and archived within the Maltese hybrid legal framework, as well as revealing the blurred lines between authenticity and reliability. Description: B.KIM. (Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131694 Title: Accessibility or invisibility? : a comparative look into Malta's accessibility policies from a public library perspective Abstract: This dissertation aims to analyse the theoretical level of accessibility in Maltese public libraries through policy. It explores methods of best practice, primarily through Maltese and European Union laws as well as recommended guidelines from trusted sources. The main three aspects include highlighting the necessity and the interlink between public libraries, persons with disability, and public policy. Then an analysis of existing legislation was done to see a thorough overview of the current legal situation and of those that will become mandatory in the near future. The focus is on the physical and more so 'traditional' library building, as well as the ever-evolving digital realm including the software used and the reading material available. However, reforms related to copyright exception laws are also mentioned due to their necessity in obtaining accessible formats. Finally previous complaints, improvements, and considerations made by different authors over the years regarding the Malta Public Central library and its regional and branch libraries were showcased. There have also been several advancements over the years, and to continue moving forward some additional recommendations were made utilising pre-existing literature. Aswell as overall promoting the public library as a potential place for improving the lives of people in society, especially that of persons with disabilities. The library is one of the few places left in society that promotes and encourages free formal education, life-long learning, leisure, and now more than ever, a place of socialisation and community. The potential is great especially if it consistently promotes itself, enriches its collections, holds events and gatherings, and by doing so in a way that is accessible by everyone. Description: B.KIM. (Hons)(Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z