Archívumkutatás

Archívumkutatás, commonly translated as archive research or archival science, is a scholarly discipline focused on the systematic study, preservation, and use of archival documents. It encompasses both the theoretical foundations and practical methods that ensure the integrity, accessibility, and interpretative value of archival materials. The field emerged in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when archivists began establishing professional standards and international conventions to safeguard historical records. Today, archívumkutatás remains essential for historians, genealogists, legal researchers, and cultural institutions, providing a structured approach to handling manuscripts, photographs, digital files, and other documentary evidence.

Key principles of archívumkutatás include provenance, which asserts that the context of acquisition and custody is central to understanding a document; original order, which preserves the arrangement established by the creator; and materiality, which emphasizes the physical characteristics and preservation requirements of records. These principles guide archivists in decisions about acquisition, appraisal, description, and conservation. Modern archival practice also integrates metadata schemas, digital preservation techniques, and cloud-based repositories to expand access while maintaining authenticity and security.

Research methods in archívumkutatás involve critical analysis of archival metadata, provenance research, and cross-referencing primary sources. Archivists often employ contextual studies to link records across institutions, using geographic, social, and thematic frameworks. Emerging fields such as "digital archiving" and "oral history collection" have broadened the scope of archive research, demanding collaboration between traditional archivists and information technologists.

The discipline is underpinned by international guidelines like The International Standard for Archival Description (ISAD(G)) and The Chicago Manual of Style, as well as national regulations that govern privacy, copyright, and data protection. By applying rigorous standards and interdisciplinary approaches, archívumkutatás safeguards cultural heritage, supports evidence-based scholarship, and facilitates public engagement with historical sources.