Analyzing photographs in archival terms

Through a comparison of the literature produced by general archival theorists with that published by photographic archivists, it becomes clear that archival principles are not routinely applied to records in photographic form. Since reflecting knowledge about records creators and circumstances of creation is a basic archival responsibility, this thesis will begin with a discussion of a variety of past and present purposes of photographers in general. The ways in which both purposes and methods can influence photographic information will also be studied. The obligation of photographic archivists to examine records and creators in terms of administrative (including legal), scholarly and other user values will then be examined. The thesis will conclude with a survey of the literature produced by North American photographic archivists to determine whether their responsibilities are fully recognized.Arts, Faculty ofHistory, Department ofGraduat