Appraisal Methodology

Appraisal is the process of determining the value and ultimate disposition of records. Records are reviewed for their historical, legal, administrative, and financial value. These values assist Smithsonian archivists in deciding which records are of enduring value and should be retained permanently in the Archives, and which records are temporary and should be discarded on-site or at the Records Center. If there are electronic records to be considered, SIA staff should be informed.

The tools that the Smithsonian archivists use in making informed record-keeping decisions include: evaluating records using the SIA Appraisal Methodology, conducting records surveys, and creating records disposition schedules. Records disposition schedules identify series of records created and/or maintained by an office, and give instructions governing the retention and disposition of current and noncurrent records series.

Before any transfer, first consult the Smithsonian Archives. An SIA archivist will conduct an email, telephone, or on-site evaluation of your records to determine whether the records should be permanently maintained in the Archives, temporarily stored in the Records Center, or discarded immediately.

The Smithsonian Institution Archives has developed special guidelines for staff at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, entitled "Saving Papers and Records of Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Scientists."

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