Arkivobjektet

Arkivobjektet is the basic unit of archival description representing a discrete information-bearing item stored in an arkiv, such as a letter, a photograph, an email, or a digital file. It is described and managed within a hierarchical structure that typically includes arkiv, serie, and dossiers or folders.

Arkivobjektet has content, context, and structure. The content is the information or data it conveys. The context covers provenance, original location, and its place within the arrangement of the collection. The structure may reflect physical attributes, file formats, and logical organization. Each arkivobjektet usually has a unique identifier and is linked to its metadata record.

Metadata associated with arkivobjektet generally includes descriptive metadata (title, creator, date, extent), technical metadata (format, size, checksums, hardware/software requirements), and rights metadata (access restrictions). Preservation metadata tracks actions and events necessary to ensure authenticity and usability over time.

Lifecycle: Arkivobjektet is created or received, appraised, accessioned, described, stored, preserved, and made accessible to readers. Digital arkivobjekt are subject to format migration, bitstream preservation, and integrity checks.

Standards frequently applied include ISAD(G) for general description, ISAAR(CPF) for parties involved, PREMIS for preservation metadata, and structural or packaging standards such as METS or Dublin Core.

Examples include a physical letter, a photograph, a scanned page, or an email preserved in digital form. Arkivobjektet enables precise identification, retrieval, and long-term preservation of individual items within archival holdings.