A Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology

RICHARD PEARCE-MOSES



 

total archives

RT:archives


Definition   

n. ~ A strategy to document the historical development and all segments of a community by acquiring both official administrative records as well as related personal papers and corporate records.

Notes

Total archives was developed in Canada. It emphasizes collecting a wide range of materials, including architectural drawings, maps, microfilm, and other documentary forms.

Citations

†116 (Hayworth 1993, p. 56): The concept is articulated as an 'attempt to document all aspects of historical development, seeking the records not just of officialdom or of a governing elite but of all segments of a community,' and 'combining official administrative records and related private files, architectural drawings, maps, microfilm, and other documentary forms all touching on the development of the organization or region. . . ." [Citing Canadian Archives, Report to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (Ottawa, 1980), pp. 63–64. ]

 

 


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