|
|
RPS:
What are Archives? Archives are the past
present and future records produced by people and organisations in their
day-to-day activities. They can be correspondence,
title deeds, diaries, plans, minute books, film, sound recordings,
photographs, pictures and computer generated records. That seems to cover everything! Who decides what to keep? Professional records managers
and archivists employed by record offices and organisations are responsible
for appraising records. They make
decisions based on the operational, legal or historical value of the records
in their care. Why should I deposit my records with a record office? Ø
You will be providing the sources for tomorrow’s historians,
scientists, teachers, genealogists, students and other researchers,
television programmes and films. Ø Record repositories provide better storage and care for records, so there will be much less risk of damage Ø
Law or codes of conduct require the retention of some categories of
record. For example, solicitors
cannot sell or destroy client papers without the consent of the client. If the client cannot be traced, depositing
this material with a record office on indefinite loan means that it can be
recalled if required. Ø
Some documents can be obsolete for business or legal purposes but are
still of historical interest. For
example, pre-registration title deeds are an important source for local
historians. Of
course, your organisation may wish to keep its own records and archives. This is fine, as long as a professional
archivist or records manager is available to establish and run any
archive/records management system that may be needed. |
