Helen Mercer ‘The impact of Appraisal Theory on practices at The National
Archives (TNA)’. Paper delivered at ARMReN workshop 7th June 2007
References
Terry Cook ‘Macroappraisal in Theory and Practice: Origins, Characteristics,
Implementation in Canada, 1950-200’ Archival Science (2005) 5: 101-161;
and
Caroline Williams ‘Studying Reality: The Application of Theory in an Aspect of UK Practice’
Archivaria (Fall 2006) 62: 77-101.
TNA Appraisal Policy (2004)
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/appraisal_policy.pdf
Operational Selection Policies may be found at:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/recordsmanagement/selection/ospintro.htm
A description of Appraisal Reports along with directions for their completion may be found at:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/recordsmanagement/selection/appraisal-toolkits.htm
How TNA has diverged from the prescriptions of macro-appraisal theory:
1. TNA has adopted macro-appraisal as a methodology without specifically adhering to all the
elements of the theory. TNA describes its approach to macro-appraisal as:
“a method of assessing the value of records at the government, departmental or unit
level rather than at an individual document or file level.”
2. For practical reasons the role of the archivist (client managers at TNA) has increased but so
has the involvement of the departmental business unit and of researchers.
3. TNA has statutory constraints, so that the scope of appraisal is limited to supervising the
selection of public records. This has to date limited TNA interest in documentation strategies
and DIRKS methodology.
How TNA’s system conforms with the principles of macro-appraisal theory:
1. TNA’s interpretation of macro-appraisal has developed as an active, planned, targeted
approach. It attempts to be comprehensive in its identification of all the possible creators of
records for a specific function.
2. Analysis at government level results in OSPs for records produced by functions common
across government such as publications, inspection reports or committee papers.
3. Analysis of records produced when a function is carried out within a few departments –
results in OSPs on the regulation of companies; possible OSPs on groups of departments such
as regulators and museums.
4. Analysis of all the records produced by one agency or in one directorate of a central
government department – the main thrust of Appraisal Reports.
5. Analysis of the value of records at series level (paper records only), geared to identifying the
best method of appraisal and review.
For a “Summary of the proposed shift in the timing, purpose, staffing and scope of appraisal at
TNA” see Appendix 1 of TNA’s Appraisal Policy (2004).