Appraisal

Appraising photographs can be a challenging task. There are many important things to consider when doing so, some more important than others. One of the most important aspects to consider is whether or not the photograph(s) fit with the existing collection(s). Having a well-defined collection policy can make the task a bit simpler, and help the archivist determine if the photographs would be a good fit for the collection. The photographs should contribute to the mission and purpose of the institution, and not just be accessioned because of potential value. 

Provenance and chain of custody are extremely important in determining the fate of photographs in the appraisal process. Without a clearly defined provenance or chain of custody record, it is difficult to determine the authenticity of a photograph. Also, candidate photographs can share a provenance with other records or photographs held by an institution, so having this information can make the appraisal of photographs easier on the archivist. 

Another important aspect of appraisal is the potential functional value and usability of the photographs. Would it be worth it for an institution to collect photographs that aren't going to be used by their audiences? Also, if the photographs aren't in the best condition, would it be worth it to collect them with the cost of preservation? These factors must be taken into consideration, and weighed carefully. The user groups must be defined and studied in order to determine if certain photographs will be used. 

The ideal photograph for an institution to acquire would be one that fits the collection policy, has a clearly defined chain of custody and known provenance, is in good condition (leading to low preservation costs), and will be appreciated and used by the institution's audiences.