2019 SIA Fall Workshop

Less Product, More Joy: Practical Approaches for Reappraisal, Weeding, and Deaccessioning

Archivists and records managers appraise materials and select materials for collections based on policies, legal mandates, and historic precedent. Institutional priorities and collecting areas shift, laws change, and backlogs need to be addressed due to space and/or financial constraints. At times, difficult decisions must be made. When is it time to reappraise? Where is the value in weeding and deaccessioning, and how do we approach this potentially daunting (or unwanted) task?

In this workshop, instructors will examine ways to initiate and carry out conscientious and transparent collections reappraisal. They will share practical and ethical points to consider before engaging in a reappraisal and deaccessioning project or program. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss individual institutional needs and formulate situational appropriate weeding criteria. Example paper, electronic, and mixed accessions will be evaluated, with a focus on tools and procedures that can be used to improve efficiency and empower responsible decision-making throughout the reappraisal process.

Questions? siaarchivists[at]gmail[dot]com 
Website issues: lydspotts[at]gmail[dot]com