Kildestoff

Kildestoff is a Norwegian-language term used to describe the source material that underpins information, analysis, or representation in research, journalism, and related fields. The word combines kilde (source) with stoff (material or content), highlighting the material’s role as the origin of claims or interpretations.

In practice, kildestoff encompasses documents, objects, data, or other materials that serve as evidence or reference. It can include primary sources such as archival records, official documents, original manuscripts, statistics, or audiovisual recordings, as well as secondary materials that organize or interpret those sources. The concept is central to disciplines that stress transparency of provenance and traceability of claims, such as history, journalism, archaeology, and documentary filmmaking.

Selecting appropriate kildestoff involves assessing relevance, reliability, accessibility, and provenance. Key considerations include the authenticity of the material, authorship and timestamp, potential bias, and any restrictions on use or reproduction. Proper handling also requires clear documentation of how each item was obtained and how it informs the work’s conclusions, along with appropriate citations and, when necessary, permissions.

Kildestoff often exists within a broader citation framework that distinguishes primary from secondary materials and tracks the chain of custody or acquisition. In scholarly and professional contexts, attention to kildestoff supports credibility, reproducibility, and ethical use of information.

See also: primary source, secondary source, provenance, citation.