Appraisal Policy

Our Appraisal Policy focusses on how archive items are selected to join The London Archives’ collection.

Introduction

The London Archives (TLA) exists to collect, look after and make accessible records of London’s rich history. An important part of our role is to seek out and collect records of London’s vibrant and diverse present for the benefit of future researchers and historians.

Appraisal is the process that archives go through to decide which records will be of ongoing, historical value and should be preserved. Appraisal is a quality control mechanism. It is a positive and essential archival activity.

Our appraisal policy guides which records we should collect, helping us judge their archival value and understand what will provide the insights and perspectives that researchers value. Everything we collect is chosen with the hope that we will preserve it forever. Holding it as a permanent record of our capital city and its national and international activities.

Feedback

Please contact us if you wish to give feedback on this policy.

This policy will be reviewed at least every two years to make sure it remains timely and relevant. It was last reviewed in July 2024.