Conclusion

This handbook is only an introduction to archival principles, practices and standards,and a basic outline of the issues to consider when establishing a records maintenance program. From evaluating the advantages of such an undertaking, to identifying and organizing archival records, to making them available for use this handbook provider guidance, instruction, and information.

However, no publication can provide complete and comprehensive guidance for every organization and every individual need. Issues of special concern are bound to arise in any new organizational undertaking ideally. The reader should come away from this publication with an appreciation for the basic concepts of archival practice and an awareness that additional assistant and expert advice are readily obtainable from a number of sources. Further information is available from the publication listed in Appendix G; from the professional staff of local archival repositories (some of which are listed in Appendix E); and from the Society of American Archives, (600 S. Federal, Chicago, IL 60605, tel (312) 922-0140).