Records Continuum Thinking and Postfoundationalism

Appraisal refers to the process by which governments, organisations, or individuals decide which records to create and keep. Recent royal commissions and inquiries have highlighted the importance of considering the information needs of everyone related to records – not just bureaucrats. Records have a big impact on people’s lives. Imagine living without your birth certificate, medical history, or passport. Records also provide a degree of transparency and accountability. In this thesis I explore how social theory concerned with issues of power and agency could inform appraisal decisions so everyone’s needs are considered.