Archivo

Archivo is the Spanish word for archive, a term used in information management to denote a collection of records and materials preserved for long-term access and use. In English, an archive is a repository of evidence and historical sources, while in everyday Spanish it can also mean a computer file. The concept encompasses both physical repositories of paper and other media and digital stores of electronic records.

Archives serve to preserve information that has enduring value for administration, accountability, culture, or research. Archivists organize materials according to provenance and original order, describe them with finding aids and metadata, and apply preservation actions to maintain accessibility over time. Key concepts include authenticity, integrity, and accessibility, as well as the long-term strategies of migration, format refreshment, and digital backups.

Types of archives include institutional or organizational archives (held by governments, businesses, or universities), national or regional archives (preserving public records and national heritage), and special collections (focused on particular topics or communities). Digital archives cover born-digital records, digitized materials, and web or streaming archives, with standards such as metadata schemas and finding aids to aid discovery.

Access policies vary by institution and jurisdiction. Some archives are open to the public, others require credentials or impose restrictions to protect privacy or security. Archival work supports historical research, transparency, cultural preservation, and legal accountability, making archives essential resources for scholars, professionals, and the public.