This article discusses appraisal in relationship to the documentary evidence of music making, and the principles behind acquisition decisions in an archival setting. It also explores the concept of enduring value as it applies to music materials, and formulates clear definitions of the distinct facets of archival appraisal. This is a crucial component to any archival management program that can contribute to the healthy growth of the institution and its collections. The author formulates foundational elements for archival practices that actively expand the scope of the documented musical heritage preserved in archives throughout the world, and outlines strategies for collecting a well-rounded and inclusive view of history.

In the summer of 2008 the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign acquired the papers of Salvatore Martirano (1927–1995), avant-garde composer, faculty member, and performer. This case study examines how the new electroacoustic compositional techniques present in Martirano’s papers and his ground-breaking electronic music instrument, the Sal-Mar Construction, dramatically challenged the archivists to explore access and preservation practices for this unique cultural record. Context plays a key role in the preservation of electroacoustic compositions and instruments, considering that these tend to become ephemeral works of art once the composer ceases to maintain them in working order.

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