CA Reference Services & Access Management

Question 1

Which US federal law most directly governs public access to federal agency records and requires agencies to make records available upon request?

Accepted Answer

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Answer

FOIA grants the public the right to request access to federal agency records, subject to specific exemptions.

Question 2

What is a 'finding aid' primarily designed to do?

Accepted Answer

Help researchers understand and navigate the contents and structure of archival collections

Answer

A finding aid describes the scope, arrangement, and contents of archival materials to enable researchers to determine their relevance.

Question 3

In archival reference services, 'mediated access' means:

Accepted Answer

Requiring researchers to work through an archivist who retrieves requested materials

Answer

Mediated access is the standard archival model where staff retrieve specific items for researchers rather than allowing open stacks browsing.

Question 4

Which element is considered the cornerstone of a researcher's registration process in a US archives?

Accepted Answer

Signed statement agreeing to rules of use and copyright obligations

Answer

Requiring researchers to sign a use agreement establishes their awareness of copyright, privacy rules, and proper handling procedures.

Question 5

What does 'restricted access' in an archival finding aid typically indicate?

Accepted Answer

Certain records are unavailable to researchers due to donor conditions, privacy, or legal requirements

Answer

Restricted access means some or all materials in a collection cannot be freely consulted due to privacy, confidentiality, or donor-imposed conditions.

(CA) Certified Archivist Certification Practice Test

(CA) Certified Archivist Certification Practice Test

CA Reference Services & Access Management