Experiential Learning: MA Library and Archives students visit Restore Information Management
MA Library and Archives Studies students visited Restore Information Management to see how records are managed in the real world. The trip gave students hands-on experience with data storage, security, and compliance as part of their coursework.
As part of the Records and Information Management Practice (RIMP) module teaching and learning experience, students from our MA in Library and Archives Studies programme embarked on a unique experiential learning trip to , the UK鈥檚 largest own records and information management company, on Thursday, 13 March 2025.
Led by module lead and coordinator and programme director , the visit included in-depth tours of two of Restore鈥檚 major operational facilities: Heywood (Birch Business Park) and Zeus (Agecroft Commerce Park, Swinton). These sites provided students with an immersive experience into the daily operations and strategic practices of records and information management on an industrial scale.
Designed as a practical extension of classroom-based learning, the study visit aimed to give students a first-hand understanding of how theoretical concepts in records and information management are applied in professional environments. Students explored key departments and functions within Restore, directly observing how complex processes like document classification, secure storage, digitisation, and compliance protocols are executed in real time.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to explore the physical repository, witnessing how records are stored and preserved under strict security and environmental controls.
They observed operations in action, following the full lifecycle of records from intake and processing to storage, retrieval, and secure disposal. Students also engaged with industry professionals who shared their experiences and insights into the real-world challenges and solutions in records management, compliance, and risk.
The experience offered students a deeper appreciation of data security protocols, legal and ethical considerations, and the technological infrastructure that supports large-scale information governance. They observed how digital systems facilitate efficiency and compliance, ensuring Restore can effectively manage vast volumes of information while upholding legal and ethical standards.
This enriching experience brought course concepts to life and emphasised the importance of connecting academic learning with industry practice. It helped students gain a clearer vision of their future roles in records and archive management and underscored the value of experiential learning in developing job-ready skills.
We extend our sincere appreciation to for their continued support of our academic mission and for providing our students with such a valuable professional development opportunity.
Through partnerships like this, the University of 51福利社 continues to prepare students for impactful careers in the field of information and records management.