Koostaja

Koostaja is an Estonian term meaning a person who compiles, assembles or prepares a collection of materials. The word derives from the verb koostama, "to compose" or "to put together," and is used broadly in publishing, academia, archiving and other fields where disparate texts, data or items are organized into a single work.

In publishing and academia a koostaja typically selects, arranges and may annotate contributions for anthologies, readers, catalogues, bibliographies and edited volumes. Responsibilities often include establishing selection criteria, writing introductions or editorial notes, standardizing formats and ensuring bibliographic accuracy. The koostaja differs from an author in that the role emphasizes organization and contextualization rather than original primary research or creative writing.

In archival, museum and library contexts a koostaja compiles collections, finding aids or inventories, documenting provenance and describing items to facilitate access and research. The term can also apply more generally to someone who assembles reports, statistical digests or other compiled documents for institutional use.

Translations and equivalents vary by language: compiler, editor or editor‑compiler are common English renderings depending on context. Professional and ethical considerations for koostajad include accurate attribution of contributors, transparency about selection methods and adherence to copyright and privacy rules. The role supports the dissemination and reuse of knowledge by shaping how materials are presented and accessed.