The idea of archives as collective memory is sometimes employed as a metaphor for discussing the social and cultural role of archives. It is argued here that the idea is more than a metaphor and is supported by theories that would view collections of documents and material artifacts as means of extending the temporal and spatial range of communication. Archives, along with other communicational resources such as oral and ritual tradition, help to transfer information—and thereby sustain memory—from generation to generation. Two examples illustrate the interrelationship of archives and memory within this broadened view of communication and culture. The first arises from attempts to find ways to warn future generations of the location of radioactive waste repositories. The second revolves around pressure to efface from cultural landscapes evidence of tragic events that people wish to forget.

The field of history has changed a great deal since Theodore Schellenberg wrote The Appraisal of Modern Public Records in 1956. Although trends in social history, Afro-American history, and women's history have suggested new subjects, themes, and periodization for historians during the last twenty years, archivists at the National Archives and Records Administration continue to rely primarily on Schellenberg's guidance in their appraisal of the records of the federal government. The author investigates the criteria used in making appraisal decisions at NARA, looks at some examples of appraisals that considered the new trends in history to greater and lesser extents, and concludes that NARA must take a proactive position on this issue to ensure that tomorrow's archival collection is a well-considered and useful one.

Documentation strategies have been suggested as tools aiding in identification of contemporary records of historical value. They might also be fruitfully applied to historical topics. Quartz mining for gold in California during the nineteenth century provides an example of the potential for retrospective application of documentation strategy. The article describes the historical phenomenon, discusses the importance of a theoretical framework that views organizations as parts of complex networks, analyzes the range of potentially available documentation, and suggests a means of implementation.

The author conducted interviews with personnel of ten archival institutions that have been involved in recent years in large-scale removal of archival records from one facility to another, in order to find out how they proceeded and to identify the most common problems encountered in moving. Topics include pre-move planning and the issues that must be determined; the logistics of the move itself; typical problems encountered; and suggestions for improvement in operations. Examples from the experiences of major institutions provide illustrations.

The Newberry Library, a privately endowed research library in Chicago, began in 1981 to develop a manuscript collection in the field of dance. The author describes how an idea was initiated by a paraprofessional staff member, encouraged by researchers, fostered by a curator, supported by the administration, and energized by volunteers to create and develop the Chicago Dance Collection.

The theft of valuable letters and documents by Charles Merrill Mount from the Library of Congress Manuscript Division and the National Archives and Records Administration brings to the forefront, once again, the question of collection security in our nation's archives. This study examines the Mount case and shows how the government was able to prove the charges of interstate transportation of stolen property against him. It suggests possible failures in the security systems of these two institutions and the subsequent changes they have made.

In 1987 the manuscripts and archives staff of the New York Public Library participated in the field testing of the "Black Box" appraisal model developed by Frank Boles and Julia Marks Young. Based on this experience, the author evaluates the Boles and Young model in light of its taxonomic function, its usefulness for staff training, and its contribution for furthering the development of appraisal theory. The discussion is extended to consider other recent developments such as cooperative appraisal projects and documentation strategies. The article concludes by emphasizing the value to archivists of documenting and sharing their appraisal decisions.

Professional archival education has matured considerably during the past decade, but much remains to be done. Archival education remains trapped in a workshop mentality that treats topics summarily, fails to integrate them, and emphasizes practical at the expense of theoretical considerations. Archival educators need to promote the development of courses that have genuine intellectual substance. The author suggests seven curriculum areas that archival education should cover and discusses how courses could be developed in these areas.

The Archives of the Slovak Socialist Republic, with a tradition of many centuries, is facing a space problem due to the enormous growth of records and to the inadequate and often antiquated archival buildings. The Central State Mining Archives and the Regional State Archives have successfully renovated historic buildings to serve as archives. The Central State Archives and the District State Archives have chosen to construct new buildings as archival depots.

UNESCO's Paris-based Records and Archives Management Program (RAMP), has sponsored and published many studies of archival institutions, functions, and education that provide a valuable picture of archival practice worldwide. The author reviews selected RAMP publications that have general value for North American archivists in the areas of archival education, appraisal, arrangement and description, reference and access, preservation, government archives, the relevance of other disciplines for archival work, and international archival protocol and standards.