Selvitystekstien

Selvitystekstien is a Finnish term referring to explanatory texts that accompany documents, artifacts, datasets, or other material in archives, libraries, museums, or digital collections. A selvitysteksti provides concise clarification about the item’s content, context, provenance, and intended use, helping readers understand its significance and limitations.

The primary purpose of selvitystekstien is to support interpretation and reuse. They document essential information such as the item’s creator or source, date or period, material or format, and any alterations or conditions affecting its use. They may also explain the item’s relationship to other records, collections, or topics, and note uncertainties or gaps in the information. By offering context, selvitystekstien aims to improve discoverability, accuracy of description, and long-term preservation.

Typical content and structure include a short description of the item, its origin and provenance, physical or digital characteristics, relevant historical or research context, and any access or use restrictions. If applicable, notes on methodology, sources of information, and references to related records are included. The tone is neutral, precise, and concise, avoiding speculation or assertive claims beyond the evidence.

Selvitystekstien are commonly used in metadata records, finding aids, item descriptions, and data documentation. They support researchers, curators, and the public by making collections more understandable and reusable, while also aiding metadata interoperability across institutions. See also: archival description, metadata, data documentation, controlled vocabularies.