Arkivnummer

Arkivnummer, in archival practice, is the unique identifier assigned to an archival unit within an archive. It functions as the stable reference used to locate, cite, and manage records over time, even as physical storage or institutional structures change.

Typically the arkivnummer reflects the provenance of the material, often arranged hierarchically to represent the creator or owner (fonds), the collection or series, and individual files or items. The exact format varies by archive and country; it may be numeric, alphanumeric, or include separators, and may incorporate year or code letters. The key feature is that it uniquely identifies a unit within the archive.

In practice, arkivnummer appears in finding aids, catalog entries, and digital catalogs. It enables researchers to retrieve metadata and link to related records. It also aids archivists in accessioning, description, deaccessioning, and long-term preservation planning, by providing a stable reference irrespective of relocation or reorganization.

Arkivnummer is different from accession numbers and other inventory numbers used at the time of intake; while accession numbers identify the moment of acquisition, arkivnummer is an ongoing organizational identifier tied to the archival provenance and structure. Some archives maintain cross-references between arkivnummer and accession numbers.

Use and format vary by institution, language, and archival tradition; within a given archive, the arkivnummer is the primary reference in citations and in the official catalog.