A STUDY OF THE THEORY OF APPRAISAL FOR SELECTION By ...

administrative and historical value, twenty-five years after the
closure of the files. The time gap between creation, original
use and archival appraisal provides an historical perspective to
the process that can assist the archivist in a re-assessment of
the initial selection of series. In this final appraisal, the
principle of provenance can be combined with the use of the
contemporary chronicle to further refine the selection of series
for preservation.
Further study is required in order to provide empirical
verification of how these three measures can contribute to
appraisal for selection. If they are proved valid, through
studies of their effect on the appraisal of specific fonds, they
have the potential to contribute immeasurably to the quality of
the selection process. To round out the entire subject, the
principles of appraisal for selection need to be further examined
to identify their application to the problems associated with
appraisal for acquisition.
The current constitutional crisis in Canada has exposed the
fragility of the confluence of cultural identities that combine
to form the Canadian experience. The national search for self-
knowledge evocatively demonstrates society's continuing need for
and reliance on our documentary heritage to preserve or alter
Canada's political, judicial and cultural life. For, knowledge
of the past and present informs society in such a way as to
create social stability and meaning in the midst of evolutionary
change. For this reason, archivists must remember Sir Hilary
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