No file left behind: the predicament of archival appraising in the digital age

Technology is continually changing. New advancements in technology allow records creators to employ a plethora of different mediums. Records created born-digitally are entering the archives, and archivists are challenged in appraising records that may be available only on outdated or unreadable software or hardware platforms. This thesis examines key issues regarding working with, especially appraising, born-digital materials in archival collections. The archival profession confronts inadequate education on technological challenges, a need to reexamine archival theories and methodologies regarding appraisal, and a general terror when it comes to working with born-digital material. Through use of interviews, this thesis explores the practical side of appraisal through a discourse on what current archivists are working on, their methodologies, and their advice and recommendations for those just starting to work on born-digital material. The thesis argues that even the smallest steps to address challenges with working with born-digital material mark a step in the right direction.