LAR3631

Appraisal and description

F Upward

6 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prohibition: LAR4631

Objectives At the completion of this subject, students should be able to identify the appraisal and description needs of different operational environments; provide summary justifications of the need for recordkeeping; develop a functional analysis of an organisation in support of appraisal and description needs; and formulate appraisal and metadata policies, strategies and tactics with reference to national and international 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 examines appraisal, including functional analysis, policy formulation, including strategies and tactics, and supporting metadata needs. The third part 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%
* Class presentation tasks: 25%
* Examination: 50%

Prescribed texts

Ellis J (ed.) Keeping archives 2nd edn, Thorpe, 1993

Recommended texts

Kennedy J and Schauder C Records management 2nd edn, Addison-Wesley, 1997