Archivist Archival Principles & Practices 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the main purpose of archival appraisal?
- Determine long-term record value (Correct answer)
- Destroy old records immediately
- Ensure all records are digitized
- Eliminate duplication of records
Correct answer: Determine long-term record value
Archival appraisal determines the long-term value of records and decides which should be preserved for future reference.
Question 2: Which principle ensures that records are kept in their original order?
- Principle of Provenance (Correct answer)
- Preservation Principle
- Data Minimization Principle
- Accessioning Principle
Correct answer: Principle of Provenance
The Principle of Provenance requires that records be maintained in the order they were originally created to preserve context.
Question 3: What is the function of a finding aid in an archive?
- Guide researchers to archived records (Correct answer)
- Delete outdated records
- Restrict access to all records
- Reorganize archival materials randomly
Correct answer: Guide researchers to archived records
A finding aid is a tool that helps researchers locate and understand archived records within a collection.
Question 4: Which factor is essential for the long-term preservation of digital archives?
- Regular format migration (Correct answer)
- Only storing records on CDs
- Avoiding metadata use
- Printing digital records on paper
Correct answer: Regular format migration
Regular format migration prevents digital obsolescence by ensuring that archived records remain accessible over time.
Question 5: What is the main purpose of accessioning records into an archive?
- Formally integrate records into the archive (Correct answer)
- Remove records from storage
- Restrict public access to archives
- Sell historical documents for profit
Correct answer: Formally integrate records into the archive
Accessioning formally integrates records into an archival collection, ensuring proper documentation and preservation.
Question 6: Which archival practice ensures that records remain authentic over time?
- Maintaining chain of custody (Correct answer)
- Allowing unrestricted edits to records
- Removing records without documentation
- Storing all records in one location only
Correct answer: Maintaining chain of custody
Maintaining chain of custody ensures that records remain unaltered and authentic throughout their archival life cycle.
Archivist Archival Principles & Practices 1
What is the main purpose of archival appraisal?