Content analysis of archival research 1977-1996 in the journal Archifacts

Abstract

This research used content analysis to investigate archival literature in the New Zealand journal Arcbifacts from 1977 to 1996. This was done in order to measure and identify the state of New Zealand's archival profession in terms of its maturity. Secondary analysis investigated gender type, article type, author type and archival topics. Prior to this research, there has been no quantitative representation of what is published in archival literature in New Zealand, whereas surveys had been undertaken in other 'new world' countries. The value of this research is firstly, the understanding we gain from an analysis of the literature on the state of maturity of New Zealand's archival profession. Secondly, it is the creation of detailed archival categories, which have extended and expanded those categories previously created by Richard Cox. This could allow for cross country analysis and enable comparisons to be made in order to better determine the development of New Zealand's archival profession. This essay outlines and summarises Arcbifacts content, and provides indications of trends in its literature and provides some quantitative evidence of the maturity of New Zealand's archival profession. Arcbifacts, the first major archival publication in New Zealand, was issued by the Archives and Record Association of New Zealand (ARANZ)1. It was the first formal archival organisation to be developed in New Zealand. A content analysis was undertaken of Arcbifacts for the years 1977-1996. This was done in order to identify the state of New Zealand's archival profession. Wilfred I Smith saw the creation of ARANZ as being a "landmark in the development of archives in New Zealand, through its publication of Arcbifacts...it has and will continue to have a significant impact in the development of a professional identity and the establishment of improved standards in every aspect of archival activity" (Smith, 1977,33). The constituency of ARANZ has never been confined to practitioners only, and this broad based membership has affected the content of the journal. This paper may also demonstrate how Arcbifacts has contributed to the development of New Zealand's archival profession.