Arkistoidut

Arkistoidut is a Finnish term meaning “archived” and is used to describe documents, records, or digital objects that have been moved from active use into an archive for long-term preservation. Arkistoidut materials are typically governed by retention schedules and preservation plans to ensure durability, authenticity, and legibility over time. They are usually less accessible than active records, and access may be restricted depending on classification, age, or privacy considerations.

In public administration and libraries, arkistoidut records may include correspondence, reports, contracts, datasets, and historical artifacts. In digital contexts, arkistointi involves metadata creation, format migration, bit-preservation, and periodic refreshing of storage media. Archives may provide finding aids and, where permissible, digitized copies for researchers, while maintaining appropriate access controls for sensitive material.

Legal and policy framework: In Finland, archival work is governed by the Archives Act (Arkistolaki) and data protection laws. Public authorities are generally obligated to preserve arkistoidut records for prescribed retention periods and to provide access in accordance with applicable statutes and classifications. Digital arkistoidut items rely on standards for metadata and preservation planning to mitigate risks of format obsolescence and media degradation.

Institutions: Notable custodians of arkistoidut collections include Kansallisarkisto (the National Archives of Finland), regional and municipal archives, and university libraries. These institutions maintain catalogs and repositories that support research while balancing public access with privacy and legal considerations.