Future of archival descriptive standards in New Zealand

Abstract

In this paper I examine what the future holds for the development of descriptive standards for archives and manuscripts in New Zealand. The nature of archives is established by giving a brief background to an archivist's work, with particular focus on the tasks of arrangement and description, and the underlying principles that relate to these tasks. A definition of archival descriptive standards is given, and the reasons why they are developed, their context, and the benefits they can bring are considered. Lengthy discussion is given to archival descriptive standards developed in the United States, Canada, Britain, and Australia. In particular, the method of their development and the outcome in each country is examined. International standards are also discussed, together with the most recent development, Encoded Archival Description. The nature of archives in New Zealand is established by giving a summary of significant historical developments, types of archives repositories, NRAM, and automation initiatives undertaken in this country. Finally, I assess the problems associated with the development of archival descriptive standards in New Zealand, and what possible action could be taken by the New Zealand archival community.