Market and Social Research Archive Launches Book Series

In the UK, the Archive of Market and Social Research (AMSR) has published a series of books entitled: 'Showcasing the Archive', available in both e-format and print.

Launched in 2016, and supported by the MRS, the Association of Qualitative Researchers (AQR), and the Social Research Association (SRA), the AMSR aim is to catalogue and preserve resources tracing the development of the market and social research industry from the 1930s to the present day. The organisation collects records, both physical and digital, all of which need to be assessed and collated, and this data is housed by The History of Advertising Trust, which will make the archive available to the public.

Launched earlier this year, its first book - 'Post War Developments in Market Research' - reflects the archive's roots in British commercial market research, while the second: 'How We've Changed: Social Trends from Post War to Present Day and Beyond' was launched at the end of last month. This new book brings together twelve short essays by researchers, academics, and friends of the archive, using resources from the archive to tell stories about how life has changed over the last 75 years.

Topics covered include how MR has impacted sectors from food to retail, and women at home to holidays, along with smoking and health and wellbeing. In a statement, the organization said: 'One of the most exciting things about the book is that is not just about the past, but also looks to the future. For the articles on diversity and green issues, AMSR asked for views from representatives of the many groups working hard to ensure a more inclusive and more sustainable future for the research industry: These companion pieces are some of the most moving, personal and inspirational writing in the book.'

Web site: www.amsr.org.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.