Utilizing user studies in archival appraisal practice: feasibility, value, and benefits

Abstract

This study is the first to explore empirically the relationship between appraisal practice and user studies. It investigated the current utilization of user studies in U.S. state archives and records management programs and explored participants’ attitudes toward these practices. This study used all these findings to consider the potential relationship between appraisal practice and user studies. Data were collected by an online survey and in-person and phone interviews, and it was analyzed by SPSS software and NVivo8 software. Only seven programs utilized results of user studies in their appraisal practice, and then only irregularly and unsystematically. Nevertheless, this study identified reasons that the relationship between appraisal practice and user studies is likely to continue developing. This paper concludes by giving some recommendations for state appraisal staff members who want to utilize user studies in their appraisal practice.