Compiled by Duranti and Franks, this rare offering—there are few archives-specific encyclopedias; archival matters are most often covered in broader library and information works—comprises 154 entries, each of which concludes with a useful descriptive and prescriptive keywords list and a bibliography. Contributors represent a number of countries, and it should be noted that the work treats records and records management as a subset of archives. Other texts on the subject have reversed the order, and the correct arrangement continues to be debated. The modern approach to archives arguably originated in France, and Duranti’s historical work on French archives explicitly informs the book’s approach. [It is] an oversized volume featuring a readable typeface. . . .Verdict: Useful for archives, records, and library practitioners as well as students, this clearly written reference is sure to be a go-to resource for years to come.

Library Journal

This remarkable resource captures the state of the field of archival science and offers both refreshing insight for experienced practitioners and an indispensable road map for amateur archivists. Although issues such as appraisal, arrangement, description, preservation, and provenance are given considerable coverage, deeper points are also offered on topics including documentation strategy, objectivity, postcustodialism, and the record-continuum model. Each of the 154 individual entries was written by 110 subject-matter experts, including Greg Bak, Wendy Duff, Eric Ketelaar, Joan Swartz, and the late Terry Cook. The editors and contributors have produced a cutting-edge, well-informed volume that is highly recommended to anyone involved in keeping archives or records.

Booklist

This single-volume encyclopedia features 154 articles by 110 authors who offer a broad range of reflections and perspectives on archival theory from early to contemporary practices. The inclusion of an entry on digital technology indicates how far the archiving profession has evolved since modernity. . . .The volume...contains articles by several influential authors of international renown, making this volume an important and authoritative resource for practitioners, researchers, faculty, and graduate students involved in archival science. The volume's organization is alphabetical as well as ontological, and each article presents an analytical or a historical perspective on the concept with keywords, related entries, and a bibliography. This layout enables users to read articles on related concepts, identify foundational literature, and expand professional knowledge of archives. The keywords are helpful; researchers can use those to query article databases for articles on related subjects. Related entries direct readers to other articles in the volume, helping readers construct a broad understanding of archival science. Summing Up: Recommended. Undergraduates through professionals/practitioners.

Choice Reviews

According to Rowman & Littlefield's website, this is 'the first-ever comprehensive guide to archival concepts, principals, and practices'. . . .I would agree. It is certainly rich in A-list authors.

Archives and Manuscripts: Journal of the Australian Society of Archivists

This book is an excellent resource. The preface defines the book’s target audience as ‘present and aspiring records, archival, and other information professionals and scholars’, and it will certainly be useful to all of these groups. The concise explanations will serve new records professionals as they come to grips with key terms and concepts, and more established practitioners will benefit from the inclusion of entries for more recent concepts. . . .[T]he scope of this work is admirable and, more importantly, useful amongst other things as a point of departure into practice or debate.

Archives and Records: The Journal of the Archives and Records Association

[The book is] an excellent and very timely contribution. Instructors for archival courses will undoubtedly find in it articles that can be very conveniently used to introduce important subjects and concepts in the classroom. This is the first contemporary encyclopedia that focuses exclusively on archival science…. Overall, this is very opportune and well-conceived project that will make a mark in archival education, and the editors (and editorial board) should be congratulated for it.

Archivaria