Arkistimise

Arkistimise (archiving) is the systematic process of preserving records of enduring value and providing access to them over time. It encompasses the appraisal and selection of materials, their acquisition or transfer to an archival repository, the arrangement and description that supports discovery, and ongoing preservation to maintain authenticity and integrity. The aim is to ensure that records retain evidential or cultural value for future generations while remaining accessible to researchers, institutions, and the public within legal and policy constraints.

Key activities include appraisal and retention scheduling, accessioning, arrangement and finding aids, metadata standards, and preservation planning. Archival description typically uses standardized vocabularies and schemas such as EAD, Dublin Core, or ISAD(G); authoritative control uses ISAAR(CPF) and authority records. Access policies balance openness with privacy and security requirements.

Digital archiving is a central area, addressing bit preservation, format migration, and authenticity checks through checksums, versioning, and trusted digital repositories. It often relies on platforms distinguished by long-term preservation capabilities and rigorous preservation workflows.

Institutional context: Archives can be national, regional, corporate, or personal, and are governed by professional standards and legal frameworks. The field values provenance (origination) and original order, and emphasizes long-term stewardship, transparency, and public accountability.