Archives: Principles and Practices

Written in clear language with lively examples, the book outlines fundamental archival principles and practices, introduces core concepts, and explains best practices to ensure that documentary materials are cared for as effectively as possible. This revised edition contains expanded discussion of the impact of digital technologies on archival materials and archival practice and an examination of the changing role of the archivist in the digital age, as archival professionals find that they need to be directly engaged with the creators of records in order to help ensure the preservation of valuable archives, for the present and for posterity. Topics addressed in the book include:

• the nature of archives and archival institutions;
• the role of archival service as a matter of trust;
• core archival concepts such as provenance, original order and respect des fonds;
• practical guidance in the execution of central archival tasks, including appraisal, preservation, arrangement, description, reference and access; and

• discussion about the changing role and responsibilities of the archival institution and archival practitioner, as digital technologies fundamentally transform how records and archives are created, captured, preserved, used and shared.

Dr. Laura A. Millar is an independent consultant in records, archives, and information management and has also worked in publishing and distance education. She has consulted with governments, universities, colleges, professional associations, non-profit organizations, and other agencies in Canada and internationally. Recent projects include advising the Government of Alaska on the integration of the state's library, archives, and museum operations and working with the Government of Alberta's Environment Ministry to develop electronic record-keeping systems. She was named the winner of the Society of American Archivists' 2011 Waldo Gifford Leland Award for Archives: Principles and Practices. She is the author of dozens of publications and conference presentations, and she has taught records and archives management in several universities, including the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, and the University of Toronto. She lives in Roberts Creek, British Columbia, Canada.