Archival arrangement is the foundation of efficient records management, ensuring materials are structured for preservation and accessibility. Guided by the principles of original order and provenance, archivists maintain the integrity and context of collections, allowing researchers to uncover valuable historical insights.
Accessioning is the critical first step in managing archival collections, ensuring that newly acquired materials are formally accepted, documented, and integrated into a repository’s holdings. This essential process lays the groundwork for preservation, organization, and future access.
A strong acquisition policy is the foundation of a well-managed archive. It ensures collections align with an institution’s mission, meet legal and ethical standards, and remain sustainable over time. By defining scope, setting criteria, and planning for resources, archivists can build meaningful collections that serve researchers for generations.
Archival acquisition is the heart of preserving history, ensuring records of lasting value are saved for future generations. In this post, Margot Note breaks down the essentials of archival acquisition with tips and insights to help build meaningful archival collections.
Archival appraisal involves not just technical processes but significant ethical considerations. Archivists must navigate privacy, representation, and access issues while making decisions that will shape the historical record.
Archival selection determines which records should be retained for long-term preservation. The process focuses on the practical aspects of deciding what to keep and discard based on the archives’ mission, user needs, and the potential research value of the records.
Developing strategies for sustaining and growing the archives over time is essential to ensure long-term success.
The path to sustainability in special libraries combines technological advancement, waste reduction, collection digitization, and community education.
Once the need for an archives is established and the necessary approvals have been secured, the next phase involves setting up the archives.
Starting an archives in any institution is crucial to preserving its history and ensuring that vital records are maintained for the future.
Archival surveys are powerful tools for improving collection management. By surveying collections, archivists can gather essential data that inform preservation, access, and resource allocation.
I recently interviewed Grace Muñoz about her work at the Texas Archive of the Moving Image. Her work on improving the discoverability of the multimedia collection is fascinating.
Conducting a comprehensive archival survey is critical to successfully managing archival collections.
