Value attaches to objects so collected because of their status as documents, and is not intrinsic. Therefore collecting practices which destroy data and thus prevent the scholarly goal of archaeology are censured. In times past, a number of leading archaeologists have acquired the necessary skills without formal training, but they, as well as archaeologists trained in scholarly techniques, have spent years in the study of archaeology as a science. The archaeological record, that is, in situ archaeological material and sites, archaeological collections, records and reports, is irreplaceable. It is the responsibility of all archaeologists to work for the long-term conservation and protection of the archaeological record by practicing and promoting stewardship of the archaeological record.
Stewards are both caretakers of and advocates for the archaeological record.
Commercialization The Society for American Archaeology has long recognized that the buying and selling of objects out of archaeological context is contributing to the destruction of the archaeological record on the American continents and around the world. Archaeologists should therefore carefully weigh the benefits to scholarship of a project against the costs of potentially enhancing the commercial value of archaeological obejcts. Wherever possible, they should discourage, and should themselves avoid, activities that enhance the commercial value of archaeological objects, especially objects that are not curated in public institutions or readily available for scientific study, public interpretation, and display. Public Education and Outreach Archaeologists should reach out to, and participate in cooperative efforts with others who are interested in the archaeological record, with the aim of improving the preservation, protection, and interpretation of the record. Archaeologists who are unable to undertake public education and outreach directly should encourage and support the efforts of others in these activities.