Abstract

Unless the records appraisal system is properly overhauled, there is no future for public records management. This study aims to highlight challenging issues and present improvement tasks necessary for the readjustment of the public records appraisal system at the national level. First, public records appraisal policies are divided into five categories: i) statements on appraisal policy and selection criteria, ii) appraisal tools such as disposition authorities, iii) subject of appraising, iv) appraisal procedures, and v) responsibility and authority in appraisal and disposition process. Second, the domestic situation is identified for each category. Third, policies of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada are compared, and implications are derived for each category. Fourth and last, the tasks for the readjustment of the public appraisal system are proposed based on these analyses.