Why do we have this? : a study of museum approaches to retention and disposal of archaeological archives

The purpose of archaeological archives at first glance appears to be clear; it is defined in national and international standards, taught as a basic requirement of any archaeological project and required by professional bodies as part of best practice policy. However, this research has demonstrated that this vision for the purpose of archaeological archives is not reconcilable with the current situation surrounding their long-term curation. The opinions and actions around whether archaeological archives should be treated as museum collections or as a resource for future research are complicated, and while there does appear to be a disconnect between those who produce archives and those who curate them, the division is not clear-cut. The many problematic and interrelated obstacles for gaining real value from archaeological archives, are compounded by the range of organisations and individuals responsible for their creation and curation and the social, political and economic spheres they must work within. This thesis concludes that if the competing visions for the purpose of archaeological archives cannot be reconciled under the reality of the current system, the system requires re-organisation and four recommendations are made to that effect.