Analyzing Appraisal Decision Criteria for Architectural Records

North American Practices Since the 1970s

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the appraisal guidelines for architectural records by using a centralized measure. Due to the lack of empirical examinations in archival appraisal theory, Dr. Frank Boles insisted on the need for “micro-appraisal.” In this paper, with reference to the criteria organized by Boles, a method of analyzing the appraisal decision criteria for architectural records was adopted. Six types of guideline, including those used in North America since the 1970s, were analyzed; the guidelines were examined against the criteria that Boles summarized in 1991. We observed the following two points: first, there was an emphasis on “Original Record Purpose”and “Significance of Topic,”and second, there was a lack of consideration in regard to “Use Limitations,” “Costs of Retention,” and “Implications for the Selection Decision.”