IMS5010

Appraisal and description

Offered subject to approval

F Upward

6 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Caulfield - Distance education - Prerequisites: IMS9023 or equivalent, and IMS9049 or equivalent - Prohibition: LAR3631, LAR4631

Objectives At the completion of this subject, students should be able to (i) demonstrate the ability to carry out appraisal and description tasks in a range of contexts; (ii) identify the appraisal and description needs of different operational environments; (iii) provide summary justifications of the need for recordkeeping; (iv) develop a functional analysis of an organisation in support of appraisal and description needs; (v) formulate appraisal and metadata policies, strategies and tactics with reference to international and national standards and best practice.

Synopsis This subject provides students with the skills and knowledge to undertake appraisal and description tasks within contemporary and historical recordkeeping systems and structures, including electronic recordkeeping systems. The first part of the course looks at the justifications for recordkeeping, functional requirements for evidence and implementation environments. The second part of the course examines appraisal including functional analysis, policy formulation including strategies and tactics, and supporting metadata needs. The third part of the course examines description and the importance of metadata to a range of recordkeeping activities related to the storage, recall and dissemination of records.

Assessment Project report: 25% - Practical assignment: 25% - Class presentation tasks: 25% - Written test: 25%

Prescribed texts

The Australian Society of Archivists Keeping archives 2nd edn, Thorpe, 1993

Recommended texts

Kennedy J and Schauder C Records management 2nd edn, Longman, 1998

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