Arkkisto

Arkkisto is a Finnish term that designates a person who works with archives, i.e., an archivist. The word is formed from arkisto (archive) with the agent noun suffix -isto. In contemporary Finnish, more common titles for the profession are arkistonhoitaja or arkistovirkailija, but arkkisto can be found in older texts or used as a stylistic variant.

Typical duties of an arkkisto include appraising materials to determine their long-term value, arranging and describing archival collections, preserving both physical and digital records, and creating finding aids to aid access. They provide reference services to researchers, support digitization projects, and oversee conservation and equipment for long-term preservation. Archivists also ensure provenance and chain of custody, manage access restrictions, and develop policies for handling sensitive materials.

Work environments for an arkkisto span archives, libraries, museums, and government agencies. They may supervise staff, collaborate with curators and researchers, and participate in collection development and user education. In digital contexts, they apply metadata standards and digital preservation practices to ensure ongoing access to records.

Education and professional development commonly include a degree in archival science, history, library or information management, with practical experience in archival work. National associations often provide continuing education, accreditation, and guidance on best practices. The role emphasizes integrity, attention to provenance, and the balancing of public access with archivally secure stewardship of materials.