Using Functional Analysis in Archival Appraisal

The identification of recorded information with continuing value that documents corporate and cultural memory is one of the archivist’s primary tasks, and he/she accomplishes this mission, in part, through the process of appraisal. But does traditional archival appraisal, based on the concepts of primary and evidential values, effectively serve the needs of institutional archivists and records managers? In an age of scarcity and the challenge of electronic records, can archivists and records managers continue to rely upon a methodology essentially unchanged since the early 1950s?

Using Functional Analysis in Archival Appraisal: A Practical and Effective Alternative to Traditional Appraisal Methodologies shows how archivists in other countries are already using functional analysis, which offers a better, more effective, and imminently more practical alternative to traditional appraisal methodologies that rely upon an analysis of the records themselves.

From this book, information professionals will learn
what functional analysis is and how it is already used around the world;its useful application for a variety of record types and media, including print, non-textual, electronic, and “born-digital” records;how functional analysis provides an alternative to a hierarchical arrangement scheme based upon record groups, sub-groups, and series that mimics the structure of an institution or organization; a recommended process for the practical and effective implementation of functional analysis.

Marcus C. Robyns is Professor and University Archivist at Northern Michigan University and is a certified archivist (member of the Academy of Certified Archivists). Prior to his work at Northern Michigan beginning in 1997, Mr. Robyns was the City Archivist for the city of Portland, Oregon, and an adjunct assistant professor of history at Portland State University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree in United States history from the University of Oregon with a concentration in archival management.

Mr. Robyns has 22 years of experience as a professional archivist. He is a former member of the board of directors of the Michigan Archival Association, a member of the Editorial Board of the Michigan Historical Review, a former team Leader for the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) Recertification Petition Review Team, and a former member of the ACA Exam Development Committee. He is a team member of the ACA Petition Appeals Committee and chair of the ACA Taskforce on Literature Review.