The Handbook of Archival Practice

This guide provides contemporary archival practice for managing analog and digital materials in a single publication, covering appraisal, acquisition, arrangement, description, storage, access, preservation, cybersecurity, digital forensics, digital curation, distributed systems, and distributed trust systems. It is divided into ten sections and has 111 entries by 105 authors, primarily from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, Jamaica, New Zealand, and the Russian Federation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 510 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This comprehensive guide is a vital tool for archivists facing the challenges of managing hybrid collections, encompassing both analog and digital materials in a single publication. It addresses contemporary archival practices, covering key terms such as appraisal, acquisition, arrangement, description, storage, access, and preservation. Additionally, it delves into responsibilities traditionally considered outside the archivist's domain, such as cybersecurity, digital forensics, digital curation, distributed systems (including cloud computing), and distributed trust systems (such as blockchain).

The Handbook is organized into ten sections: current environment, records creation and recordkeeping systems, appraisal and acquisition, arrangement and description, storage and preservation, digital preservation, user services, community outreach and advocacy, risk management, security and privacy, and management and leadership. Due to the multifaceted nature of some terms, categorization was a complex task. Readers are advised to consult both the table of contents and the index to locate relevant entries, as a topic may be addressed in multiple entries.

Comprising a total of 111 entries authored by 105 experts, The Handbook provides a comprehensive definition and description of archival practices. The majority of the contributors, 79, hailed from the United States, followed by 12 from Canada, 7 from the United Kingdom, 3 from Australia, 1 each from Germany, Jamaica, New Zealand, and the Russian Federation. This work reflects the diverse nature of archival practice across different countries, serving as an amalgamation of various perspectives.

Primarily designed for archival practitioners seeking immediate access to desired information, this handbook also serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the field of archives and records management. Its comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis make it an essential resource for anyone seeking to advance their knowledge and understanding of contemporary archival practices.

Weight: 1538g
Dimension: 224 x 292 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538137345