I'm following this debate on appraisal with interest as I'm in the
process of researching for a MSc Econ thesis on the appraisal of
literary papers.

Having started to read up on the theory of appraisal from
Jenkinson onwards it strikes me that most appraisal theory is
directed towards corporate and public records, which already
have a RM system in place with disposal schedules.  The
functions of the institutions are known and the records they
create are predictable.

The appraisal of personal, and especially literary papers seems
to need different criteria.  Collection policy is key to determining
who's papers are accepted, but guidelines for weeding are also
needed, to enable the archivist to make decisions on item level.

Are literary papers appraised on categories such as the
importance of the author, or the type of material (drafts, galley
proofs, diaries), historical importance, research value, or cost of
purchase?

Does the time spent on informed item level appraisal outweigh
the benefits of reduced bulk and cost of storage?

If all future literary material is to be electronic, should we now
save all annotated drafts and holograph scribbles as the last
examples of the evidence of the process of  creative writing?

Any comments arising form practical experience of appraisal of
twentieth century literary papers would be appreciated on or off
list.


Nia Mai Williams
Archifydd / Archivist
Data Archifol / Archival Data
Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales
Aberystwyth

Fy marn i, nid barn y Llyfrgell.   My opinion, not the opinion of
the Library.