Their goal is to determine how archivists practice selection as a group . They developed a preliminary decision-making model and employed professionals from varying institutions to provide feedback and suggestions. This study, which was the first to compare the attitudes and beliefs of archivists from different institutions, examined four major issues. For the purposes of this study, the basic classification of selection criteria consists of the above three concepts, which were called modules . The modules were then broken down into broad, then narrower, conceptual clusters .
Selection is governed by institutional policy, staffing, budget, and available space.
Quantification is not a practical selection tool due to variations from institution to institution. The sample size of the study is too small to draw any statistical conclusions. The study is, however, useful in forwarding the discussion of selection decisions. I suppose the evaluative elements presented could serve as a springboard for an institution to develop its own standardized selection criteria. Perhaps the main point is that this book isn t actually about appraisal in the strict sense of value, but rather about what archivists in different institutions consider important in the process of selection.