Appraisal: The Process of Choice

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.