Arhiivindust

Arhiivindust is the Estonian term for archival science, the discipline that studies and practices the management, preservation, and access of records and archives. It encompasses both physical collections and born-digital materials and is carried out by archivists, records managers, librarians, and information professionals. The aim is to ensure the authenticity, integrity, and long-term usability of information for current and future users.

Core activities include appraisal and accessioning of records, arrangement and description, metadata creation, preservation planning, and providing access and reference services. Ethical and legal considerations, such as privacy, copyright, and provenance, guide decision making. Practitioners work to balance preservation needs with user access, often within institutions like national archives, universities, libraries, museums, and government agencies.

Digital preservation has become central in arhiivindust, addressing challenges posed by born-digital records, web content, and complex digital ecosystems. Approaches include metadata standards, format characterization, and strategies for migration or emulation, all aligned with international frameworks such as the OAIS reference model. Archival description and access rely on established standards and practices, including ISAD(G) for general description, ISAAR(CPF) for authority data, and DACS or EAD for encoding finding aids; Dublin Core also informs metadata in some contexts.

Education and professional practice in arhiivindust emphasize practical skills in appraisal, arrangement, and preservation, as well as theoretical understanding of provenance and records life cycles. Institutions worldwide offer programs in archival science, with professional associations providing training, accreditation, and ethical guidance.

Arhiivindust supports scholarly research, cultural heritage preservation, government transparency, and accountability by ensuring that records remain trustworthy over time. Related topics include archival science, records management, and digital preservation.