Archivaries

Archivaries is a term used to describe the field of archiving and the professionals who work to preserve, organize, and provide access to records across institutions. The scope includes both physical archives and born-digital materials, and the term covers archival science, records management, and digital curation.

Historically, modern archival practice developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the principles of provenance and respect des fonds, emphasizing original order and the integrity of records. The digital era has expanded methods to metadata, preservation strategies, and repository infrastructures.

Key tasks include appraisal, acquisition, arrangement, description, preservation, access, and reference services, along with policy work on privacy, rights, and access.

Standards and practices rely on metadata schemes such as Dublin Core and PREMIS, and on repository models guided by the OAIS reference model.

Education and professionalization: master's degrees in archives, records management, or information science; professional associations such as the Society of American Archivists and the International Council on Archives provide guidelines and certification.

Archivaries support research, transparency, and cultural heritage, while facing challenges from privacy concerns, copyright, limited funding, and digital obsolescence.

Global practice varies by country and institution, ranging from national archives to corporate and private collections.