Abstract

This study aims to analyze the distribution of authorities and responsibilities (ARs) to appraise public records, especially between national archives and central or federal government institutions. For this study, archives acts and policies of Britain, the USA, Canada, and Australia were selected for analysis. After attempts in reviewing the laws and policies governing ARs of appraisal and disposition, their level of concentration were investigated and compared. The analysis shows that the ARs to determine and approve which records have archival value and what are to be transferred to archives are mainly located in the national archives. In comparison, it is common that the national archives and government institutions share ARs in identifying the public records and in preparing and approving the disposal authorities. Furthermore, it identifies that the ARs can be distinguished by individual appraisal activities and expects to be used to discuss the ARs to appraise public records in Korea.