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In NSW the availability of excavation records, physical remains (primarily artefacts), technical datasets, and reports associated with a historical archaeological project can only be described as varied. These forms of data can be collectively termed an archaeological archive. The storage of archives commonly includes any combination of small-scale centralised repositories, on-site facilities, private (client or investigator) off-site storage, or digital platforms. Archaeologists recognise the value of sustainably archiving these resources, as well as making them available for research, public access, or other intentions, however, what is the status of our combined approaches? Data collected from 40 historical archaeological sites in NSW has been used here to benchmark the current situation in the state. It was found that only three of the investigated sites had a complete and accessible archaeological archive with suitable metadata available before reaching the storage facility. This research outlines the precarious status of our efforts in archiving for perpetuity and the reliance on informal and personal networks within the archaeological community to discover and access archives. It is argued here that a framework of visibility, accessibility, and longevity should be applied to any project to consider the strength of archaeological archive retention methods. While the focus remains on understanding the key issues, several recommendations are also made for improving the consistency and long-term success of accessing historical archaeological repositories and data management systems. Key suggested approaches are to promote significance in the decision to create archaeological archives in the first place, prioritise resolving visibility constraints and focus on small and achievable system improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article tackles various issues related to post-medieval/historical archaeology worldwide as of November 15, 2017. These issues include the laws on archaeological heritage in Spain, the condition of later historical archaeology on Borneo, post-medieval archaeology, and government and professional support for archaeologists.

The author provides an outlook on professional archaeology in Great Britain in 2015. He offers a brief history of professional archaeology in the region with emphasis on the impact of the global economic crisis in 2008 on archaeology practice. He highlights some of the laws and regulations governing archaeological practices. He believes that the future of professional archaeology will be dependent on the economic climate.

This paper reviews legislation relating to the safeguarding and management of Oman's diverse archaeological resource. It focuses on the National Heritage Protection Law (NHPL), other national legislation and regulations, and international conventions signed by the Omani Government. It also discusses the extent to which these existing legislative tools support the management of the nation's archaeological resource and the socio-economic changes that are taking place in the country. The paper also examines whether the legislation in place is apt for purposes of identification, management, conservation, research and for development planning needs. Certain concerns are raised. For example, the NHPL has not been amended since it was issued in 1980 and the issue of archaeology protection is absent from related national laws, especially those covering activities related to the environment, municipalities, mining and tourism. What also emerges is that current legislation has not fully been implemented by the relevant organisations, which consequently has negatively affected Oman's archaeological resource management. Finally, the paper proposes the evaluation of all the legislative tools that govern archaeological practice in Oman. It also urges an updating of the NHPL in accordance with new theoretical and practical changes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Generating new knowledge in rescue archaeology is the prime goal regardless of which system is dominant. The market-oriented ‘capitalist’ model does not generate new knowledge in an adequate way, because it is volatile and prone to crises, and often detached from a wider up-to-date scientific environment. The ‘Dutch’ model presented by Van de Dries as a compromise between the state-financed ‘socialist’ and ‘capitalist’ models is here criticized. It is suggested that the Norwegian and Swedish state-supported models hold the greatest potential. A further point is that large museums or university museums may be the best place to locate excavation units as it is only there that we can play out in full the potential for knowledge production and management, processing as well as disseminating material culture as more than just texts. Generating knowledge at museums, from research-oriented field work to research-generating exhibitions involves the local authorities in a better way than does the Dutch model. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the highlights of the conferences "First Italian Congress on Public Archaeology" on October 29 to 30, 2012 organized by the University of Florence and "Public Archaeology in a Time of Crisis" on November 29 to 30, 2012. Topics covered include bridging the gaps in Italian legislation in relation to cultural landscapes and heritage and the significance of archaeological professions and public engagement, and partnership among local authorities, universities and foundations.

This article, prompted by finding an ancient burial urn, using L'evi-Strauss andMumford as principal guides, traces some connections between the artifactual, the ritualistic, the mythic, and the poetic to speculate on forms of literary and constitutional order in the Irish context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarizes the legal developments during 2011 that affect archaeological heritage. Among the more significant developments were advances in and challenges to the use of international law in deterring the trade in undocumented antiquities and questions of whether artifacts on loan to U.S. institutions from Iran could be used to satisfy judgments against Iran awarded to victims of terrorist bombings. Finally, the article presents a preliminary assessment of the impact of the "Arab Spring" conflicts on cultural heritage preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the cultural resource management (CRM) legislation in the U.S. that was implemented for the management of cultural resources and heritage in the country. It explores the changes in the manner by which the CRM is implemented when professional archaeologists have been integrated into the business sector as private consultants. It also presents some examples of problems encountered after a CRM contract is in effect, and examines archaeologists' authority limitations. The author believes that in order for professional archaeological consultants to professionally represent their clients, they must enable clients to comply with the recommendations of the regulatory agency.

The author comments on the article "Professional Problem Domains of Consulting Archaeologists: Responsibility Without Authority," by Harry M. Piper. He advances some of the issues and problems raised by Piper related to cultural resource management (CRM) legislation in the U.S., wherein archaeologists act as consultant, and addresses problems centering on client-archaeologist relationship. The author believes that the foundation of CRM lies in the regulations that specify responsibilities.

The article presents a letter from the founder and archaeological director of the Institute of Nautical Archaeology which was written in support of federal legislation that passed the U.S. House, but died in the Senate. The legislation affects archaeologists, sport divers and treasure-hunters. The author directed the first complete excavation of a shipwreck on the seabed, and developed many of the mapping techniques which have made underwater archaeology a scientific pursuit. The article highlights issues relating to nautical archaeology.

An introduction is presented to the article “2011 Cultural Hertiage Legal Summary" by Patty Gerstenblith, which appears elsewhere in the issue and which discusses legal issues affecting archaeology in 2011, including the importation and exportation of cultural property.

An editorial on issues concerning public archaeology is presented. The authors comment on the failed bid for the Crosby Garrett Roman cavalry helmet discovered in Cumbria, England. They discuss the provisions of the Treasure Act in Great Britain. They address the debate over the location of the Babri Mosque in India.

The author reflects on the challenges faced by archaeologists in the U.S. in their integration into the market. He notes that while some survive the pressures in archaeological consultancy, many failed to continue their business. He also remarks on the introduction of the so called "three-party relationship,"wherein the federal or state agency is required by law to oversee the archaeological resources, the archaeologists, and the client who plans to pursue certain modification project.