Currents of Archival Thinking, 2nd Edition

With new technologies and additional goals driving their institutions, archives are changing drastically. This book shows how the core foundations of archival practice can be brought forward to adapt to new environments—while adhering to the key principles of preservation and access. • Presents current thinking on archival theory, methods, and practice and addresses new thinking about the role of archival institutions • Documents how the foundational principles of archives and museums are changing • Introduces readers to other disciplinary perspectives on archives • Supplies contributions from practitioners as well as academics, representing a range of perspectives and archival traditions About the Author Heather MacNeil is professor in the University of Toronto Faculty of Information. Terry Eastwood is professor emeritus in the School of Library, Archival, and Information Studies at the University of British Columbia. Tags: Library Management, Social Sciences, Academic Libraries, Library & Information Science, Politics & Social Sciences, General With new technologies and additional goals driving their institutions, archives are changing drastically. This book shows how the foundations of archival practice can be brought forward to adapt to new environments—while adhering to the key principles of preservation and access. Archives of all types are experiencing a resurgence, evolving to meet new environments (digital and physical) and new priorities. To meet those changes, professional archivist education programs—now one of the more active segments of LIS schools—are proliferating as well. This book identifies core archival theories and approaches and how those interact with major issues and trends in the field. The essays explore the progression of archival thinking today, discussing the nature of archives in light of present-day roles for archivists and archival institutions in the preservation of documentary heritage. Examining new conceptualizations and emerging frameworks through the lenses of core archival practice and theory, the book covers core foundational topics, such as the nature of archives, the ruling concept of provenance, and the principal functions of archivists, discussing each in the context of current and future environments and priorities. Several new essays on topics of central importance not treated in the first edition are included, such as digital preservation and the influence of new technologies on institutional programs that facilitate archival access, advocacy, and outreach; the changing legal context of archives and archival work; and the archival collections of private persons and organizations. Readers will also learn how communities of various kinds intersect with the archival mission and how other disciplines' perspectives on archives can open new avenues. Presents current thinking on archival theory, methods, and practice and addresses new thinking about the role of archival institutions Documents how the foundational principles of archives and museums are changing Introduces readers to other disciplinary perspectives on archives Supplies contributions from practitioners as well as academics, representing a range of perspectives and archival traditions Cover Half Title Title Page Dedication Copyright Contents Introduction: Shifting Currents Part I: Foundations 1: A Contested Realm: The Nature of Archives and the Orientation of Archival Science 2: Origins and Beyond: The Ongoing Evolution of Archival Ideas about Provenance 3: Archives as a Place Part II: Functions 4: Managing Records in Current Recordkeeping Environments 5: Archival Appraisal in Four Paradigms 6: Digital Preservation: From Possible to Practical 7: Continuing Debates about Description 8: Archival Interaction 9: Archival Public Programming Part III: Frameworks 10: Right to Information 11: Archives and Social Justice 12: Participatory Archives 13: GLAMs, LAMs, and Archival Perspectives 14: Community Archives Index About the Editors and Contributors