Write 5 pages with APA style on Differences Between a Library and an Archive. There are differences in the material found in a library and an archive. A library is dominated by books and print and non-print material. On the other hand, archives hold published and unpublished material, including manuscripts, letters, photographs, diaries, artifacts, books, artworks, and their digital forms. The materials in archives are unique and most specialized and rare objects. Unlike books in the library that can easily be replaced, most materials in an archive are irreplaceable (Society of American Archivists, 2014).&nbsp.

Second, people access materials in libraries and archives differently. In archives, archivists are employed to take care of the unique archival collections and ensure their preservation. Archives also have specific guidelines for use of collections for protection from theft and damage. In a library, librarians are in charge of the materials. People can access materials via the internet, at the library itself, or borrowing them for home use (Society of American Archivists, 2014).

Finally, with regard to significance, libraries serve a direct significance, as people gain knowledge from reading the material therein. On the other hand, archives hold a symbolic significance. According to O” Toole (1993) these are a representation of history, culture, nationality, and identities of individuals, communities, nations, and regions. This is because most of the archival collections are drawn from the past, hence symbolize different aspects as they existed in the past.

Archival Appraisal

Archivists play an important role in archives. Their roles vary from developing acquisition mandate to deciding what to keep in the archives and preservation and conservation of records. With regard to archival collections, archives today cannot keep everything. Even though archives have an acquisition mandate in place, it still remains important for the archivists to evaluate all potential acquisitions.