Archivist Archival Principles & Practices Flashcards

Which of the following best describes 'digital forensics' as applied in archival practice?

Answer: Recovering and authenticating data from digital carriers acquired by archives

In archival practice, digital forensics involves using forensic tools and methods to recover, authenticate, and document digital materials acquired on physical carriers like hard drives or floppy disks.

Which access tool provides a physical listing of records organized by their location in a repository's storage facility?

Answer: Location register

A location register (or shelf list) maps the physical location of materials in a repository, enabling staff to retrieve records efficiently.

An archivist is asked to certify a copy of an archival record for legal proceedings. What must the archivist attest to?

Answer: That the copy is a true and complete copy of the original record in the repository's custody

A certified copy attests that the reproduction is a true and complete copy of the original as held in the repository, not a judgment about content accuracy.

What is 'replevin' in the context of archival practice?

Answer: The legal process of recovering records wrongfully removed from a public institution

Replevin is a legal action to recover personal property wrongfully taken; archivists use it to reclaim public records removed without authorization.

Which international standard provides guidelines for records management systems, defining requirements for records in any format?

Answer: ISO 15489

ISO 15489 is the international standard for records management, providing principles and implementation guidelines for managing records in any format or medium.

When an archivist encounters a collection with no discernible original order, what is the appropriate course of action?

Answer: Document the lack of order and impose a logical arrangement, noting this in the finding aid

When original order cannot be determined, archivists may impose a logical arrangement but must document this decision transparently in the finding aid.

Which concept in digital preservation refers to the ability to retrieve and render digital information over time as technologies change?

Answer: Accessibility/Usability

Accessibility or usability in digital preservation ensures that digital objects remain renderable and usable as hardware and software environments evolve over time.