The historical photograph: record, information source, object, resource

Abstract

This article looks at the contributions that historical photograph collections can make to people’s lives, by examining the ideas that museums, archives and libraries explore and apply in the management of such collections. For instance, the theme of the photograph as an historical record of events will be used to examine the archivist’s approach; the photograph as a source of information for learning or enjoyment will introduce theories developed by the library community; and the value of the photograph as a physical object will form the basis for looking at how museums approach our vast and challenging photographic heritage.