A comparative analysis of the National Archives Act (1990) in relation to international archival legislation

Abstract

The National Archives Act of 1990 is the current legislative framework under which the National Archives of Malta function. Now that this legislative framework has been in force for ten years, urgent needs for amendments and inclusion of important concepts which were either overlooked in 1990, or at that time, the time was not ripe for their inclusion have been analysed. Aspects studied, included a framework with regards to Civil Service grades and curatorial functions of the National Archives, the superintendence unit to better the present system, investing of responsibility of keeping records in good shape, setting up of Departmental Records Committees, establishing closure periods, disposal and retention schedules, catering for decentralisation which developed lately with the setting up of Local Councils and Privatised Corporations, and the up-keep of good administration when it comes to automated records. The solutions adopted by legislation in other countries were evaluated to see whether their solutions apply to the Maltese scenario. The views and commissioned studies of various international bodies in this field were taken in consideration during the preparation of this long essay.