Arkistoiminta

Arkistoiminta refers to the systematic management and preservation of records and documents. It encompasses the entire lifecycle of these materials, from their creation and active use to their eventual transfer to an archive for long-term retention. The primary goal of arkistoiminta is to ensure that valuable information is accessible for future generations, serving purposes such as historical research, legal evidence, and administrative continuity.

The process typically involves classifying, appraising, and arranging records according to established archival principles. Appraisal determines which records have sufficient long-term value to warrant preservation, while arrangement ensures they are organized in a logical and retrievable order, often based on their original context. Preservation activities are crucial and may include measures to protect documents from physical deterioration, such as climate control, proper storage materials, and digital conversion for fragile or at-risk items.

Arkistoiminta is carried out by archives, which can be public institutions, private organizations, or even personal collections. Public archives, such as national, regional, or municipal archives, are responsible for preserving government records and often make them available to the public. Private archives may belong to companies, associations, or individuals, and their holdings can range from business records to personal papers and artistic creations. The principles of arkistoiminta are applied across all types of archives to maintain the integrity and accessibility of their holdings.