Advanced Appraisal for Archivists

Certificate Eligibility:

N/A

Credits:

5 ARC, 0.75 CEU

Length:

1 day

Format:

In-Person

Max Attendees:

Tier:

Tactical and Strategic

ACE Category:

Selection, Appraisal, and Acquisition

Description:

This workshop builds on the fundamentals of appraisal as presented in SAA’s Selecting and Appraising Archives and Manuscripts (AFS II). It focuses on four important components of appraisal that aren’t included in the manual: 1) The interrelationship of basic archival theory with appraisal theory (how archivists think about the concept of records and the purpose of archives, and how that intersects with how archivists think about selecting records); 2) the seemingly intractable problem of applying appraisal theory and method in practice adequate to the huge amount of material to be appraised; 3) archival ethics as applied to collection development, donor relations, and appraisal; and 4) the theory, method, practice, and policy of reappraisal and deaccessioning.

Learning Outcomes:

Review the implications of archives appraisal theory and method

Consider the reasons for the disjuncture between appraisal theory and appraisal practice

Identify specific techniques to bring the practice of appraisal into congruence with the number and bulk of materials to be appraised (application of these techniques can reduce processing backlogs as well)

Grapple with some of the ethical issues embedded in appraisal and related functions (e.g., collection development, donor relations)

Move from understanding the theory of reappraisal to its practice, including specific attention to donor relations and other “political” considerations

Who Should Attend:

Managers/administrators of archival programs and archivists who have experience in appraisal

Reviews:

"Background history of appraisal to present day and open discussion about issues."

"The discussion about ethics/examinations of case studies. It was helpful to hear how other archivists would handle certain situations."

"Discussion of reappraisal policies and practice and discussion of history of appraisal—there is no universal solution. You take what applies and works for your institution."

"The notebook of slides was very convenient for note taking and will be an excellent review of course information. These classes are always very inspiring and informative."

“As with the fundamentals of acquisition and appraisal, I enjoyed the ‘case study’ exercise most, because it provided some concrete examples and prompted useful discussion.” – Andrew Steadham

“Overview of theory and comparison of theory and practice.”

“LAMP procedure applied for appraisal.” – Gustavo Castaner

Host a Course:

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