Canada's Experience in Monetary Appraisal of Archival Documents: Characteristics of Research Sources and Basic Concepts

Abstract

Objective. The paper aims to identify the main sources of information on the monetary appraisal of archival documents and to analyse the main conceptual principles underlying this process. Methods. The following methods were used in the course of the research: historical source analysis, historical comparison, and conceptual analysis.  Results. The authors characterised the main sources of information on the valuation of archival documents, in particular, the websites of the National Archival Appraisal Board, Library and Archives of Canada, the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board, the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America, proceedings of the 2007 conference in Ottawa “The Future of Monetary Valuation in Canada”, and forum reports (2022) on the topic “Much More Than Money”. The main conceptual principles used by archivists and other experts in determining the monetary value of documents are identified. Conclusions. The sources of information on the appraisal of archival artefacts in Canada are quite representative and provide an overall picture of the organisation of these processes and the results of their implementation. The criteria for the appraisal of archival documents can be applied to the valuation and purchase of library collections and individual book artefacts. Despite differences in the organisation of the appraisal process, the conceptual approaches to the process itself in Canada and Ukraine are almost identical. However, the experience of Canadian archivists is valuable and requires in-depth study, especially in the areas of monetary valuation of audiovisual documents and documents in electronic form.