A fundamental aspect of creating an effective collection development policy for archives is understanding the purpose behind the institution’s archives. 

This understanding forms the foundation for all subsequent decisions and actions. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of understanding the purpose of the archives and how it influences the development and management of the collections.

Collection development policies are crucial for archives as they provide a roadmap for acquiring, preserving, and managing historical materials. 

These policies outline the principles, criteria, and guidelines that shape the growth and maintenance of collections. Archivists follow several steps to create an effective collection development policy.

Oral history interviews are a powerful tool for capturing and preserving individual stories and experiences. 

They provide a unique opportunity to document the perspectives and insights of individuals who have lived through significant historical events or experienced social and cultural changes. The art of conducting oral history interviews includes some essential skills and techniques required to ensure a successful outcome.

An oral history is a recorded audio or video interview in question-and-answer format. 

An oral history project is a series of oral history interviews focused on documenting a topic, theme, era, place, organization, event, or group of people.

A records survey worksheet is vital for any organization that manages records. It helps to systematically identify, organize, and describe records to ensure proper management.

Records are essential to every organization. Records can be in any form, including physical documents and electronic files. 

Proper management and organization of records is crucial for any organization to function smoothly. Records provide evidence of the organization’s activities and help staff make informed decisions.

Digitization projects based on careful review, analysis, and planning yield resources that are functional and faithful to the archival sources and support new kinds of scholarship. 

Many archival repositories have invested in digitization projects to enhance access to their collections. 

Archives have been particularly interested in infrastructure projects for several years. Repositories have also participated in collective efforts to test and disseminate tools, procedures, and methodologies.