Archives and Special Collections Flashcards
7 cards from real Library Science practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Archives and Special Collections flashcards as text
Which preservation strategy involves creating an exact bit-for-bit copy of a digital file to ensure its long-term survival?
Answer: Replication
Replication involves creating multiple identical bit-level copies stored in different locations to guard against data loss from hardware failure or disaster.
The term 'appraisal' in archival science refers to:
Answer: Determining which records have sufficient historical value to be permanently retained
Archival appraisal is the process of determining which records hold long-term value and should be permanently preserved, versus which may be destroyed after their administrative usefulness ends.
What is 'deaccessioning' in the context of special collections?
Answer: Removing items from a collection's official holdings
Deaccessioning is the formal process of removing items from a library or archive's permanent holdings, often followed by transfer, sale, or disposal.
Which environmental conditions are most critical to maintain in a repository storing paper-based archival collections?
Answer: Stable, cool temperature and low relative humidity
Paper-based materials deteriorate most slowly in stable, cool temperatures (around 60–65°F) and low relative humidity (30–40%), which slow chemical degradation and inhibit mold growth.
What is a 'deed of gift' in the context of archival acquisitions?
Answer: A legal agreement transferring ownership or custody of materials to a repository
A deed of gift is a legal document in which a donor transfers ownership or custody of materials to an archival repository, and which may specify restrictions on use or access.
The Open Archival Information System (OAIS) reference model was developed to guide:
Answer: Digital preservation practices and systems
The OAIS reference model (ISO 14721) provides a framework for designing and operating archival systems that can preserve and provide long-term access to digital information.
Which of the following best describes 'born-digital' records?
Answer: Records that were created in digital form and never existed in analog format
Born-digital records are those created and used in digital form from their origin, such as emails, word-processed documents, or databases, as opposed to digitized analog originals.