Arkistoyksiköihin

Arkistoyksiköihin refers to archival units, which are the basic organizational components of an archive. These units are created to group and manage related records or documents that share a common origin, purpose, or subject matter. The concept of archival units is fundamental to the principles of archival science, ensuring that records are preserved and made accessible in a contextually meaningful way.

The primary function of archival units is to provide structure and order within an archive. They allow archivists to identify, describe, and arrange records systematically. This organization facilitates retrieval, making it easier for researchers and users to locate specific information. Examples of archival units can include a fonds, which is the entire body of records produced or accumulated by a person or corporate body, or a series, which is a group of identical or similar records filed or arranged in the same way. Subordinate to series might be sub-series, files, or individual documents, depending on the level of detail required for arrangement and description.

The creation and definition of archival units are guided by principles such as provenance, which dictates that records should be kept together with those from the same creator, and original order, which emphasizes maintaining the order in which the creator kept their records. Proper identification and description of archival units are crucial for creating finding aids, such as inventories and catalogs, which are essential tools for navigating archival collections. This systematic approach ensures the integrity and long-term preservation of historical and administrative memory.