Part I of this book looks at the principles and theories within which archival practice is situated. How do we define archives, and what types of material fall within and outside that definition? How did archival theory and practice develop throughout history, and how do we position our work today within existing theoretical frameworks? Theory notwithstanding, how do people actually use archives? What types of institutions are created to hold archival materials, and what are the similarities or differences between them? Regardless of institution, what are the guiding principles – the golden rule(s) – of effective and ethical archival service? And, especially in a world abounding with cloud computing systems, data security concerns, identity theft and 24-hour news cycles, how can the archivist balance the right of citizens to access evidence with the right of individuals to retain their privacy? These topics are addressed in the following chapters:

Chapter 1: What are archives?

Chapter 2: The nature of archives

Chapter 3: Archival history and theory

Chapter 4: The uses of archives

Chapter 5: Types of archival institution

Chapter 6: The principles of archival service

Chapter 7: Balancing access and privacy.