Definitions for "Archival value"
The value, evidential and/or informational, which justifies the permanent retention of records as archives.
"The values […] that justify the continuing retention of records as archives. Evidential value. The value for providing evidence of the origins, structure, functions, policies and operations of the person or agency that created the records. [….] Informational Value. The value for reference or research deriving from the information the records contain, as distinct from their evidential value. Records and archives often contain information that has reference or research uses not envisaged by its creators. Also referred to as secondary value. [….]" (KA, p.462)
The value of documentary materials for continuing preservation in an archival institution (Daniels and Walch 1986).