One Size Fits All? The Portability of Macro-Appraisal by a Comparative Analysis of Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand

  • John Roberts

Abstract

This article examines the methodology of macr o-appraisal in environments other than the Canadian context in which it was originally developed. It considers the suitability of the model for government archives in Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand. Macro-appraisal is discussed first as a theoretical framework and then as a response to practical difficulties arising from other approaches to appraisal. The change management issues surrounding the possible adoption of macro-appraisal in other jurisdictions are explored. The article suggests that both theory and practice need to be addressed when considering the adoption of new models. While local conditions need to be considered, the possible value of overseas innovations should not be ignored.

Author Biography

John Roberts
John Roberts is a Senior Archives Policy Analyst with Archives New Zealand (formerly the National Archives of New Zealand). He has worked at Archives New Zealand since 1990 in a variety of positions. He holds a Master of Information Management and Systems from Monash University and an M.A. in German from Victoria University of Wellington. He spent three years on the National Council of the Archives and Records Association of New Zealand, two of them as treasurer.
Published
2001-11-01
How to Cite
Roberts, John. 2001. “One Size Fits All? The Portability of Macro-Appraisal by a Comparative Analysis of Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand”. Archivaria 52 (November), 47-68. https://archivaria.ca/index.php/archivaria/article/view/12814.
Section
Articles