XVI International Botanical Congess

The difference between publications and records is explained, as is the need to consider all records, whatever their physical format. The essence of good appraisal is to understand how and why records were created, and their interrelationships, and to appreciate the subsequent use of records, especially as primary source material. Scientists, especially systematists, create a great variety of records containing data, mostly unpublished. Field and laboratory records may be needed again in subsequent research years later, and possibly even in other disciplines. Scientists must consider the future of their records. Administrative records and correspondence are also useful long-term for the organization or person creating the records, and for others. Procedures for analysis and selection are suggested, and the impact of new perspectives among archivists world-wide is considered.