Archive Management: Principles and Practice

This module will explore:

• Introduction to theory and practice: historical development of the record keeping profession; functions and responsibilities of archivists; differences and similarities between records and archives
• Acquisition and appraisal: policy development; methods of acquisition; accessioning procedures; the theory and practice of appraisal
• Arrangement and description: provenance; arrangement; descriptive and indexing standards; finding aids; archives, the internet and new technologies

This Archive Management module builds on many of the topics and concepts discussed in The Theory and Context of Recordkeeping but focuses on the archival rather than the broader recordkeeping world. We will be looking at theoretical issues but very much in the context of practice. It is important that you are working or regularly volunteering in an archive, or if you are a records management student, have access to one. You will be drawing on this experience throughout the course, relating what you read to what you have seen in practice and applying what you learn to your working environment. You will also have plenty of opportunity to discuss issues and ideas with your fellow students.

Number of credits

20 SCQF credits (10 ECTS credits) on Level 5, SHE M (SCQF 11)

Tutors

Craig Gauld, Alex Du Toit, Melinda Haunton