State archival law: A content analysis

Abstract

The content analysis technique provides a means for systematically evaluating the statutory authority for state archival and records management programs. This study analyzes state law in eighteen categories; its structure places the categories into one of three concept groups and defines each category with smaller component parts. States are evaluated on a possible score of fifty-four points; total scores range between a high of forty-four points and a low of eleven. Additional comments focus on the methodology and on qualitative strengths and weaknesses in the archival law of the fifty states.