Big ideas: From catwalk to cultural collections

Big Ideas is a series of briefings on big ideas coming out of The
National Archives' research programme. Covering themes of
innovation, creativity and excellence each Big Idea will share with
colleagues and professionals aspects of innovative research taking
place at The National Archives and elsewhere that could apply to
their own area of work. Being able to predict with any precision
how collections will change over time is difficult - we are always
reliant on historical data. But like fashion designers predicting
future trends, we now use the data we collect everyday to model the
future. The National Archives uses computer models to underpin
collection management decisions and has successfully used them to
reduce energy costs. In this talk, Nancy Bell, Head of Collection
Care, The National Archives, and Dr Matija Strli?, Centre for
Sustainable Heritage, University College London, showcase the
potential of computer modelling to support the business and aid
decision making.