3. THE CONTENT OF THE GUIDE#

The Guide comprises:

The Standard for Archaeological Archiving

The Standard consists of a set of high level principles. It represents the standard for archaeological archiving that must be met by an archaeologist or organisation undertaking any form of archaeological work that results in an archive.

Guidance for Archaeological Archiving

The Guidance takes the principles of the Standard and expands them into fuller practical advice on how to archive the products of archaeological work. It is for use across European partner countries as a Guide for the practice of archaeological archiving and as such is designed to work alongside more detailed standards specific to international, national, regional or local requirements in archaeological practice, conservation and curatorial care. It is not meant to replace such standards already in existence. As a best practice exemplar it is hoped it will aid and advise the development of fuller local standards in archaeological archiving.

The Guidance is intended as a ‘how to’ manual which sets out best practice to be applied both to the process of archaeological archiving and to the care and curation of archaeological archives. It is recognised that whilst for some many of these practices may be the norm, for others they may be currently out of reach, therefore this guidance sets out exemplary practice that can be achieved over time. It is hoped that the Guidance will help in this process, by assisting in making the case for improved facilities or local procedures wherever this is necessary.

Checklist of archaeological archiving tasks and roles within an archaeological project

The checklist is a chart which sets out the archiving tasks as the project progresses and the title of the person or persons who would normally undertake each task, such as project manager, finds specialist etc. These are written as generic tasks lifted from the Guidance section of the Guide and the names of personnel are simply an idealised example. In this format however, the chart can be used as a quick archiving checklist for those who are not familiar with the archiving process.

The Guide recognises that whilst the archaeological process remains basically the same across Europe, more detailed activities, tasks, personnel and responsibilities associated with archaeological archiving can differ from country to country and state to state. More detailed templates, therefore, will eventually be found on the ARCHES website, which tailor those procedures and personnel more specifically to current practice in national, regional or local administrative entities.

Although at the time of publication, the Guide templates have been formally adopted in only seven countries, it is hoped that as the use of the Guide becomes more widespread the EAC Working Party will contact other countries in order to add their own practices for inclusion in the Guide. Blank templates for this purpose can be found here.

Bibliographies on archaeological archiving

The final section consists of country, region or state specific bibliographies, which set out related standards and guidance in the practice or archaeology, conservation and curatorial care.

It is also hoped that other countries will provide bibliographical information for inclusion in the future.


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