Researching a risky business? The use of Freedom of Information to explore counterterrorism security at museums in the United Kingdom

Atkinson, C., Yates, D. and Brooke, N. (2022) Researching a risky business? The use of Freedom of Information to explore counterterrorism security at museums in the United Kingdom. Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, 45(1), pp. 43-61. (doi: 10.1080/1057610X.2019.1647682)

Abstract

This article reflects on the value and limitations of the use of Freedom of Information (FOI) in the collection of data on counterterrorism policies and practices at museums in the United Kingdom (UK). In doing so, this article re-interprets the museum within the “single narrative” of global jihadist terrorism before using FOI to uncover counterterrorism security measures at museums in the UK. We particularly signpost the importance of the role of the museum security manager as the interface between the museum and the wider UK counterterrorism network. Throughout, but particularly in the discussion section, the article reflects on the value and limitations of FOI as a social research tool. The conclusion highlights the requirement for further qualitative enquiry into the museum as an emerging site of counterterrorism security discourse and practice, particularly in relation to how museum security managers understand and navigate this unique cultural space.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Yates, Dr Donna
• Authors: Atkinson, C., Yates, D., and Brooke, N.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
• Journal Name: Studies in Conflict and Terrorism
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 1057-610X
• ISSN (Online): 1521-0731
• Published Online: 19 August 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC
• First Published: First published in Studies in Conflict and Terrorism 45(1): 43-61
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy