THE IHPACT OF COMPUTERIZATION ON ARCHIVAL FINDING AIDS : A RAMP STUDY prepared by

The impact of computerization on archival finding aids: a RAMP study / prepared by Christopher Kitching [for the] General Information Programme and UNISIST. PREFACE In order to aid Member States, particularly developing countries, to meet their needs in the specialized areas of Archives Administration and Records Managemant, the Division of the General Information Programme has developed a long-term Records and Archives Management Programme (RAMP). The overall objectives of RAMP are: to create awareness and promote understanding, among and within governments of Member States, of the values and usefulness of records and archives as basic information resources; to assist countries and regions, upon request, in the organization and development of the records and archives management systems and services necessary for full and effective utilization of these basic information ressources; to promote and assist in the advancement and dissemination of knowledge through the training of professionals in the field of archives and records management which is.the basis for sound archival policies and harmonious archival development. RAMP avtivities concentrate on: infrastructure development; training and education; protection of the archival heritage; promotion of the development and application of modern information technologies and research in archival theory and practice. The present study, prepared under contract with the International Council on Archives (ICA), is based on a questionnaire sent to selected National Archives and on interviews. It describes different models of archival finding aids in a computerized environment and discusses advantages and disadvantages of the automation of archives. A number of concrete examples illustrates the analysis. Current research and developments in this field are presented, and the importance of archival norms and standards is pointed out. The study closes with a select bibliography. Other studies prepared under the RAMP programme may be obtained at the same address.