Newly revised and updated to more thoroughly address our increasingly digital world, including integration of digital records and audiovisual records into each chapter, it remains the clearest and most comprehensive guide to the discipline.

"Providing in-depth coverage of both theory and practice, this manual is essential for archivists at all levels of experience and of all backgrounds"--

Starting an Archives is designed for institutional administrators, archivists, and records managers thinking about beginning a historical records program in their organization. The book covers the decision making process which should precede the establishment of an archival program, outlines the first steps necessary in the beginning of an archival program, and introduces basic archival functions to readers. These functions include: archival administration, collection development, appraisal, records management, arrangement, description, reference, outreach, and preservation and facilities planning. The book provides a theoretical rationale for the establishment of an archival program and discusses the managerial, financial, and administrative implications involved in beginning an archives. At the same time, however, it approaches the subject of starting an archives in a practical manner. There are clear descriptions of archival activities, samples of the important archival policy documents and forms, and a current bibliograohy which points to additional texts for further reference. Information on archival organizations is also included to help beginning archives locate and join local and national professional archival networks.

Whether an institution has a collections orientation or whether it is primarily responsible for managing institutional archives in conjunction with an organizational records management programme, those responsible for its archives and records management need specialist advice and practical guidance in the successful establishment and operation of an archival facility built on sound principles. This authoritative handbook, written by an archival professional with over 25 years' experience, offers just that. Addressing the contextual, strategic and operational issues associated with archives, the text covers everything the archivist needs to know: establishing principles, policies and procedures; managing day-to-day operations; caring for different types of archival materials; enhancing outreach and public access; and ensuring the growth and sustainability of the institution and its services. The key chapters are: What are archives? Archival institutions: creatures of history and culture Archival service: a matter of trust Protecting archives Provenance, original order and respect des fonds Appraising and acquiring archives Arranging and describing archives Making archives available The challenge of digital archives. The final section of the book offers a glossary of terms and a wide range of specialist information including comprehensive lists of recommended further reading, national institutions, professional bodies and other sources of advice. Readership: This book is essential reading for anyone involved in managing archives. Its straightforward and approachable language ensures that fundamental principles and practices are outlined clearly for novice archivists and non-specialists; experienced professionals will also find the work of immense value in validating or updating their understanding of archival operations. The issues addressed are relevant to archival practice internationally, particularly in English-speaking countries, and concepts in place in different parts of the world are examined in order to provide a global context.

This volume introduces students and beginning practitioners to the fundamentals of working with and preserving archival records and manuscripts. Sample topics include the history of the archives profession, the organization of archival records, and the values that inform practice. A new chapter on contemporary challenges in the archival world has been added for the second edition, and the bibliographic essay has been updated.

This book's authoritative blend of theory and practice makes it a matchless resource for everyone in the archives and records management field.

"The 28 essays reprinted in this volume represent significant recent American writings on archives and the role of archivists in modern society. The essays are arranged into nine parts: Understanding Archives and Manuscripts Archival History Selection and Documentation Appraisal Arrangement and Description Reference and the Use of Archives Preservation Electronic Records Management These articles provide important perspectives both on basic elements of archival practice and on fundamental principles in archival theory and methodology. In addition to these nine parts, there is an introduction and a list of contributors, which provide important context for the readings. "What deserves careful reading . . . is Jimerson's seventeen-page introduction. It is brilliant and worth the price of the entire volume. In it, Jimerson lays the groundwork for a commanding understanding of the thought and development of the profession in the two decades of the 1980s and 1990s." -Megan Sniffin-Marinoff,American Archivist (65:1).