MALCOLM SKILBECK,
Madam, - In an otherwise fair and accurate report of an interview with me, your Education Editor attributed views to me about a "culture of secrecy" in universities which I do not hold (The Irish Times, October 11th).
As public institutions of increasing importance in our societies, universities are accountable to a wide array of stakeholders and audiences. There is also a reasonable expectation of transparency or openness, including the ready availability of information about their varied activities.
Such difficulties as may be encountered in gaining access to information lend themselves to other explanations than "secrecy".
These include mundane matters such as the time - and resources - required to collect and analyse data, or the complexity of issues arising when judgments are sought or made about the responsiveness of universities and the quality, effectiveness and impact of academic work. - Yours, etc.,
MALCOLM SKILBECK,
c/o Centre for
Cross-Border Studies,
Armagh.