FOI2026/00233: SSRC Technical Reports by Gordon Pask et al. (1970-1979)
Case reference FOI2026/00233
Received 16 March 2026
Published 27 May 2026
Request
Request Received: 16 March 2026
Thank you again for your earlier correspondence regarding the SSRC Technical Reports by Gordon Pask and collaborators.
I have since been able to locate the reports at the British Library. The library has confirmed that digitisation is possible, but only on a paid basis. I attach their initial price estimate below for ease of reference.
As these reports are publicly funded commissioned research outputs, I would like to enquire whether ESRC/UKRI would be willing to arrange or cover the cost of digitising the British Library copies. If this is not something that can be considered informally, please also treat this email as a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for any recorded information you hold concerning:
1. any policy, practice, or precedent on supporting access to legacy SSRC/ESRC commissioned research reports held externally; and
2. any previous arrangements for funding or facilitating digitisation or duplication of such materials for research purposes.
By way of context, our working group is engaged in a scholarly effort to digitise the bibliography of the prominent British cybernetician Gordon Pask (1928–1996), with the aim of making these materials more accessible to researchers.
The reports in question are relevant to an ongoing scientific study within our group on the history of cybernetics and artificial intelligence, including the role of Pask’s Conversation Theory in relating these fields. Considering the public interest in preservation and access, and the academic purpose of the project, I would also be grateful if ESRC/UKRI could consider waiving or covering the duplication costs in this instance.
Response
Response Sent: 13 April 2026
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) does not hold information relevant to your request.
As previously advised, although UKRI holds a very small collection of SSRC legacy records (in paper format), relating to funded applications of the era of interest (1970-79), they mostly consist of application and funding information. A search was run for any information relating to Gordon Pask Technical reports and the funding numbers you provided, however, this search returned no results. A search was also conducted of archive SSRC and ESRC material relating to this subject at The National Archives which also produced no results. UKRI can therefore confirm that this information is not held.
UKRI does not contribute to or cover the costs of duplication or digitisation of material that is not held by UKRI. We do not hold a specific policy about supporting access to legacy research reports held externally, nor have we previously made any arrangements for the funding of digitisation or duplication of such materials for research purposes.
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