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?
- You will be providing the sources for tomorrow's historians, scientists, teachers, genealogists, students and other researchers, television programmes and films.
- Record repositories provide better storage and care for records, so there will be much less risk of damage.
- Laws 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.
- 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.