Guidance on Selection in Archaeological Archiving (EAC Guidelines 3)

Archaeological archives represent much of the significance of a site or monument which has been studied. They should  thus be seen as a powerful resource to test and re-test theories, to advance knowledge and to create opportunities for access for everyone. Numerous proofs exist of the huge potential in this resource but at the same time, the space for storing archaeological archives and collections is not, and cannot be, infinite. The more material that is excavated, the greater the pressure on available capacity to store for the long term. It is vital that archaeological heritage managers ensure that how
they practice is sustainable in the long term. For practical and financial reasons, heritage managers must therefore make the best choices about what to keep.

The aim of these guidelines is to provide advice on intelligent selection, to help to balance these two equally important issues, to make the case for continued support for our shared archaeological legacy, and to ensure that future generations, with future technology and capabilities, can continue to generate real public benefit from the work of archaeologists past, present and future.

This guide is available in other European languages.