Selection criteria

Definition

Selection criteria are the specific standards or benchmarks used to evaluate and choose among various options, such as candidates for a job or materials for a project. They help establish clear expectations and ensure that decisions are made based on relevant and objective factors. In the context of archives and databases, selection criteria guide the process of determining which records or data should be preserved, accessed, or utilized.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Selection criteria are crucial in archival practices to ensure that only the most valuable and relevant records are preserved for future use.
2. Different types of selection criteria may include historical significance, legal value, evidential value, and administrative utility.
3. The application of selection criteria helps manage resources effectively by focusing on items that serve specific research or institutional needs.
4. In databases, selection criteria help streamline data retrieval processes by filtering out unnecessary information based on set parameters.
5. The development of selection criteria is often influenced by the mission of the institution, user needs, and the nature of the records being evaluated.

Review Questions

• How do selection criteria influence the decision-making process in archival appraisal?
  • Selection criteria play a vital role in archival appraisal by providing a structured framework for evaluating the significance of records. By establishing clear benchmarks, archivists can systematically assess which materials have enduring value for preservation based on factors such as historical relevance and legal requirements. This structured approach ensures that decisions are not arbitrary but rather grounded in objective assessments that align with the institution's mission.
• Discuss how different types of selection criteria can affect the management of archival resources.
  • Different types of selection criteria, such as historical significance and evidential value, directly impact how archival resources are managed. For instance, items deemed historically significant might be prioritized for preservation over less critical materials. This differentiation helps institutions allocate their resources effectively, ensuring that they maintain a collection that reflects their values and serves user needs while minimizing costs associated with storage and management.
• Evaluate the implications of applying inappropriate selection criteria in the context of managing archives and databases.
  • Applying inappropriate selection criteria can have serious implications for managing archives and databases, leading to either the loss of valuable records or the preservation of unnecessary materials. If criteria are too narrow, significant historical documents may be discarded, depriving future researchers of essential evidence. Conversely, overly broad criteria could result in excessive retention of irrelevant data, complicating access and increasing storage costs. This imbalance underscores the importance of thoughtful and well-informed criterion development to protect the integrity and utility of archival collections.

Related terms

Archival Appraisal: The process of evaluating records to determine their value and significance for preservation and access.

Metadata: Data that provides information about other data, helping to organize and manage archival materials effectively.

Access Policy: Guidelines that define how and when archival materials can be accessed by researchers or the public.