Archiving Policy

This policy outlines the principles and procedures for archiving materials related to the field of "The Study of Religion and History". It aims to ensure the long-term preservation of valuable resources for future generations of scholars, researchers, and the general public.

Scope:

This policy applies to all materials related to the study of religion and history, including:

• Published materials: Books, articles, journals, conference proceedings, dissertations, etc.
• Unpublished materials: Manuscripts, letters, diaries, field notes, audio recordings, video recordings, photographs, artifacts, etc.
• Digital materials: Websites, databases, online publications, multimedia resources, etc.

Objectives:

• Preserve: To ensure the long-term physical and intellectual accessibility of materials.
• Access: To provide open and equitable access to materials for research, education, and public understanding.
• Selectivity: To prioritize materials with enduring historical, academic, or cultural value.
• Sustainability: To implement archiving practices that are resource-efficient and sustainable.

Archiving Criteria:

The following criteria will be used to determine which materials will be archived:

• Uniqueness: Does the material offer unique information or perspectives not found elsewhere?
• Historical significance: Does the material document important events, individuals, or movements?
• Research value: Is the material likely to be used by future scholars and researchers?
• Cultural significance: Does the material reflect the values, beliefs, and practices of a particular community?
• Fragility: Is the material at risk of being lost or damaged?

Archiving Methods:

• Physical archiving: Materials will be stored in secure, climate-controlled facilities with appropriate preservation measures.
• Digital archiving: Materials will be stored in secure, digital repositories with robust backup systems and long-term preservation strategies.
• Metadata creation: Detailed metadata will be created for all materials to facilitate discovery and access.
• Digitization: Fragile or at-risk materials may be digitized to ensure their preservation and accessibility.

Access:

• Archived materials will be made accessible to the public in accordance with copyright, intellectual property, and privacy laws.
• Different access levels may be established for sensitive materials.
• Users will be required to comply with established access and use policies.

Review and Revision:

This policy will be reviewed and revised periodically to reflect changes in technology, best practices, and user needs.

Responsibilities:

• Archiving staff: Responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy.
• Contributors: Responsible for providing accurate and complete information about materials submitted for archiving.
• Users: Responsible for respecting copyright, intellectual property, and privacy rights.