Mr. Ruud Yap gave a gripping presentation on the new approach to appraisal taken by the Dutch National Archives. Due to the large volumes of records generated by digital systems, the existing appraisal system “PIVOT,” based on an analysis of governmental functions and actions, can no longer be sustained. In addition the Dutch National Archives aims to take a more proactive approach with regard to the collection of private archives. It is felt that the current appraisal method “PIVOT” does not accurately document current society and does not allow for the capture of decisive and influential records creating bodies within the Netherlands. A working group was thus established to develop a new appraisal approach. The working group aims to develop selection criteria which better reflect today’s Dutch society.

The new appraisal approach will review actors on basis of their uniqueness and representativeness and will rely on the involvement of outside experts to provide advice to the Dutch National Archives. This might include trendwatchers, journalists, sociologist and historians. Mr. Yap indicated that the challenges of this new approach are to define the appraisal concepts such as uniqueness and representativeness, and its methods. In view of the more proactive approach to the acquisition of private archives, the Dutch National Archives needs to gain a new understanding of its relationship with other private archives collecting institutions in the Netherlands.

Following the presentation there was an engaged discussion with the participants.

Ineke Deserno