Deciding what to save

Archival appraisal is the process of determining which manuscripts and archives acquired by a repository are worthy of long-term preservation. The abundance of modern records prevents saving everything, so archivists must make difficult choices. Records have value as evidence of organizations' functions and activities, or for their informational content. Appraisal criteria include analysis of functions, context, content, future uses, and cost-benefit of retention. Decisions to discard manuscripts are irreversible, so choices must be carefully weighed. Reappraisal and deaccessioning may also be applied to legacy holdings. The challenging task of appraisal also contributes to the preservation of institutional evidence, cultural heritage, and social memory.