A quick reference guide on how to appraise and select records for preservation at The National Archives. It applies to public record bodies who transfer records of historical value to The National Archives and third-party contractors acting on their behalf.
The purpose of this guidance is to draw a distinction between the supply of information held by public authorities under Freedom of Information legislation and the re-use of that information, explaining those circumstances where formal licensing is required.
Guidance on completing an appraisal report, a key summary of the records a government body believes worthy of historical preservation and intends to select for transfer to The National Archives or an approved Place of Deposit.
This guidance details the role that the Government’s Information Asset Register (IAR) plays within Freedom of Information (FOI) Publication Schemes and how the IAR can manage some of the demand that FOI generates.
Operational selection policies (OSPs) apply the criteria set out in the Records collection policy to the records of individual departments and agencies or to records relating to a cross-departmental theme.
Parliamentary papers copies are likely to be selected for preservation in The National Archives only if within assemblies including other unique papers, or if significantly annotated as part of the policy re/consideration process.