Dr Elaine Penn

Dr Elaine Penn


I have been a qualified archivist and records manager for over 20 years, previously working mainly in the Banking sector before joining the University in 2005. After graduating from UEA with a BA in French, Comparative Literature and Philosophy, I studied Archives and Records Administration at the University of Bangor. I also have a Master's degree in Historical Research from Birkbeck College London.

I am a member of the International Council on Archives, AIM25, the Digital Preservation Coalition, AtoM Foundation, and the Information and Records Management Society UK. My interests include the application of archival theory to practice, particularly in the area of appraisal.


In November 2014 I was awarded a PhD in Information Studies (Archival Studies) from UCL; my thesis is titled: Exploring archival value: an axiological approach.

I have edited the University History Project series of publications and authored volume 5 in the series: Educating for Professional Life: Twenty-five Years of the University of Westminster (London: University of Westminster, 2017).