Advanced Techniques & Methods Flashcards

In the context of archival description, what does 'accrual' refer to in a finding aid?

Answer: Additional materials added to an existing archival collection after initial processing

An accrual is a subsequent addition of records to an archival collection, and finding aids must be updated to reflect new accruals.

Which of the following BEST describes macro-appraisal as a methodology?

Answer: Appraising records based on the functional context and societal importance of the creating body rather than document-by-document review

Macro-appraisal, developed by archivists such as Terry Cook, focuses on appraising the functions and structures of organizations rather than examining individual records.

A 'dark archive' in digital preservation primarily functions to:

Answer: Preserve digital content as a backup that is not publicly accessible but ensures long-term survivability

A dark archive stores preserved digital content inaccessible to the public, serving as an insurance copy to ensure long-term survival against repository failure.

When an archivist performs a 'survey' of an uncataloged collection, the primary objective is to:

Answer: Gather enough information about scope, volume, condition, and content to make processing and appraisal decisions

A survey produces a preliminary assessment that informs decisions about processing priority, resource allocation, appraisal, and access restrictions.

Which of the following is a key characteristic of born-digital records that distinguishes them from digitized analog records?

Answer: Born-digital records never existed in a physical format and may carry embedded metadata from their creation environment

Born-digital records originate in digital form and often contain embedded metadata (author, creation date, revision history) not present in scanned analog documents.

An archivist encounters a collection of records where the creator intentionally arranged materials thematically rather than chronologically. What should the archivist do?

Answer: Maintain the creator's thematic arrangement as the original order

Respect for original order requires preserving the arrangement established by the creator, even if it is thematic, because that arrangement reflects the creator's working methods and context.

In records management, a 'vital records' program is designed primarily to:

Answer: Identify and protect records essential to resume operations after a disaster

Vital records programs identify records critical to an organization's core functions and legal obligations, ensuring their protection and accessibility during and after emergencies.