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Edited by

Audra Eagle Yun and Chela Scott Weber

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Archival Fundamentals Series III, Volume 6

“Is archival selection and appraisal an art or science, a theory or practice? The answer is: yes.”

–Edited by AUDRA EAGLE YUN and CHELA SCOTT WEBER

Today, we operate in an environment of records abundance, with far more documentation created than can reasonably be kept. Thoughtful selection and appraisal is both a balancing act and a vital skill for modern archivists. Selecting and Appraising Archives and Manuscripts is a concise introduction to the theory and practice of archival selection and appraisal, offering practical tools for principled work.

While much of the existing literature on appraisal is theoretical, this book focuses on practical ideas that are grounded in best practices, informed by the past, and aspirationally moving the profession forward. Divided into six chapters, topics include policy development, ethics and strategies for collecting repositories, tools and methods for analyzing records, appraisal and acquisition in institutional settings, and more. Guidance is centered on intentional collecting, adherence to professional values, and responsible stewardship, and covers a variety of formats.

This volume can be read in a linear way or used as a quick reference in real-life scenarios. Read it in its entirety, or jump to specific chapters as your situation warrants. This volume will help readers feel confident in making thoughtful collection- building decisions.

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