Genres and genre repertoires of user and use information sources in U.S. state archival and records management appraisal practice

Abstract

Many archival researchers and practitioners have claimed that appraisal practitioners should utilize users and use of records as a factor in appraisal practice. However, little is known about what sources appraisal practitioners utilize to collect user and use information. This study is the first to explore and analyze the genres of user and use information sources utilized as appraisal tools. It applies the concepts of genre, genre repertoire, and structuration theory to examine the relationships between the sources of user and use information and the organizational structure and function of U.S. state archives and records management programs. This study recommends ways to improve sources of user and use information for appraisal practice, and it also presents some topics in need of further study.