Standards and Guidance in Archaeological Archiving: The Work of the Archaeological Archives Forum and the Institute For Archaeologists.

The Archaeological Archives Forum (AAF) is a representative body, established in 2002, which aims to link together all the major parties in the United Kingdom with an interest in archaeological archives so that common policies and practice can be developed and applied. Another goal is to identify the courses of action necessary to further best practice in the field of archaeological archives and to affect the means to achieve this action. To date, the AAF has produced a number of guides to best practice for archaeological archives. One of the key bodies represented on that forum is the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA - formerly the Institute of Field Archaeologists), the professional association for archaeologists in the United Kingdom. With over 2,600 members this standards setting body is in a position which allows it to guide and regulate the requirements for the creation, curation, and use of archaeological archives. This paper will review the achievements and effectiveness of the AAF and IfA's activities and will discuss whether this presents models that can be used internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]