Domain 1 - Appraisal and Reappraisal

# Certified Archivist Practice Questions

## Domain 1: Selection, Appraisal, and Acquisition (Tasks 1–7)

### 1. When identifying potential acquisitions, which factor is most important in evaluating the record creator?

A. Whether they have previously donated materials

B. Whether their function or role aligns with the repository’s mission and collecting scope

C. Whether they have a large number of followers on social media

D. Whether the materials are in good physical condition

Correct Answer: B

### 2. Which record characteristic most strongly supports acquisition?

A. Records are handwritten

B. Materials are easily digitized

C. Materials have evidential or informational value and relate to core collecting priorities

D. Records are stored in acid-free folders

Correct Answer: C

### 3. Enduring value is best determined by:

A. The size of the collection

B. How recently the records were created

C. The legal, administrative, historical, or cultural significance of the records

D. The ability to scan the materials quickly

Correct Answer: C

### 4. What action best supports the verification of a record’s authenticity?

A. Estimating resale value

B. Identifying the most recent backup date

C. Tracing provenance and comparing with known recordkeeping systems

D. Relying on donor recollection

Correct Answer: C

### 5. What should archivists assess before accepting a donation?

A. Whether the donor is a local resident

B. Whether the repository has the capacity to store and make the materials accessible

C. Whether the donor has metadata prepared

D. Whether the materials are already digitized

Correct Answer: B

### 6. A gap analysis in archival appraisal helps to:

A. Create more finding aids

B. Identify under-documented areas or topics within a collection or collecting scope

C. Increase staff productivity

D. Determine the fiscal value of donated materials

Correct Answer: B

### 7. What is the most appropriate action when offered materials do not align with the collecting policy?

A. Accept them to avoid offending the donor

B. Place them in a temporary storage folder

C. Re-scope the repository’s mission

D. Recommend alternate repositories or initiate deaccessioning if already accessioned

Correct Answer: D