Investigating appraisal at the National Archives of Malta : challenges and strategies

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the archival appraisal practices at the National Archives of Malta, evaluating their effectiveness against international standards and methodologies, as well as national needs and archival traditions. Appraisal, as a critical archival function, determines the long-term value and retention of records within the national documentary heritage. Through a comparative framework, the study analyses appraisal models from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, countries selected for their mature archival systems and diverse legal and functional approaches and distinctive features that could offer valuable insights for Malta’s archival development. The research identifies Malta’s current appraisal system as primarily content and retention-based, with limited emphasis on digital readiness, functional analysis, or societal value. This reactive model is assessed against international practices, such as Canada’s macro-appraisal, the United Kingdom’s risk and value-based strategies, the United States of America’s lifecycle-driven methods, and Australia’s digitally integrated functional appraisal. The comparative analysis highlights significant gaps in digital governance, resource allocation, and strategic alignment within the Maltese context. Owing to the commitment and professionalism of its staff and management, the National Archives of Malta has registered several noteworthy positive outcomes. However, empirical evidence indicates that, while the current appraisal approach exhibits a degree of adaptability, it remains constrained by limited financial resources, inadequate storage capacity, and insufficient personnel. The study argues that integrating macro-appraisal principles and digital appraisal strategies could enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainability. Consequently, the dissertation proposes a dual set of recommendations: policylevel reforms to strengthen legislative and systemic foundations, and guidelinelevel measures to improve the consistency and implementation of appraisal practices. This study contributes to archival scholarship by contextualising international appraisal models within a small-state environment and by offering actionable insights to modernise archival governance in Malta. It aims to bridge theoretical frameworks and practical realities, ensuring that the National Archives of Malta can continue to safeguard the national memory in an increasingly digital and data-saturated era.