Navigating complexity: appraisal and collection policy practices in university special collections

Purpose This study aims to focus on appraisal practices within university special collections, investigating archivists’ appraisal decision-making processes and their use of collection policies in appraisal work. Design/methodology/approach The study used in-depth semi-structured interviews with 11 university special collection archivists. Each interview focused on the archivists’ appraisal work, including their methods and adherence to institutional guidelines. The interview data were analyzed based on grounded theory. Findings All interview participants recognized the importance of appraisal and emphasized the importance of research value and enduring value. The subjectivity of the appraisal process was acknowledged, with participants relying on collection policies to mitigate subjectivity. Originality/value The value of this study lies in its exploration of the real-world decision-making processes undertaken by university special collection archivists in appraisal and their use of collection policy throughout the procedure.