Systematic Appraisal of the Records of the Government of Canada at the National Archives of Canada

Over the past five years, the National Archives of Canada has committed substantial time and resources in implementing a revised approach to its appraisal of the records of the Government of Canada. The changes have altered both procedures and the day-to-day work of many staff. The institution is still exploring the implications of the new approach, which is having an impact on such diverse matters as the archiving of electronic records, permissions to destroy non-archival records, the monitoring of records and records systems still in institutions, and the management of an all-inclusive media approach. It affects as well the theory and content of the research carried out to set acquisition priorities and the negotiations with government institutions concerning their records. This article is intended to serve as a progress report on recent appraisal theory and practice at the National Archives, for those who might wish to assess its efficacy or avoid its errors.'