| Summary: | A survey conducted by the National Archives of Canada in 1987 reported that out of 100
archival institutions surveyed, 65% of the respondents said that they regularly reappraise
and deaccession collections. However, reappraisal constitutes a formal requirement for
only 15% of those who do it. This thesis examines the theory, method and practice of
reappraisal and deaccessioning.
Prior to the publication of Leonard Rapport's article "No Grandfather Clause:
Reappraising Accessioned Records" in 1981, mention of reappraisal appeared infrequently
in archival literature. Rapport's article presented attractive arguments for the reappraisal
and deaccessioning of material in archival custody, and, since its appearance, the idea of
appraisal as a one time activity to select documents for permanent preservation in an
archival repository is seriously being questioned. A growing number of archivists are
advocating reappraisal and deaccessioning as legitimate and necessary functions of
archival work.
This thesis reviews the current literature regarding reappraisal and deaccessioning. It
identifies and discusses the various arguments put forth for reappraisal and deaccessioning, and assesses whether they are valid in terms of archival theory, methods
and practice. Finally, it outlines a procedure for reappraisal and deaccessioning with
consideration given to the legal, financial and adrninistrative implications or reappraisal
and deaccessioning.
This thesis concludes that systematic reappraisal is not a valid and justifiable archival
activity, however, reappraisal and deaccessioning is sometimes warranted and necessary
on a case by case basis.
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