annuaires

Annuaires, the plural of annuaire, are reference works that compile lists of names, organizations, places, and topics, often including addresses, telephone numbers, and other identifying details. They function as searchable catalogs designed to help readers locate people or entities and to provide contextual information about them. Traditionally published in print, annuaires can cover a specific domain (for example commerce, professional associations, or public administration) or a broader public who live in a given country or region. The term also encompasses annual reference volumes, such as almanacs or yearbooks that include statistical data and calendar information.

Historically, annuaires emerged in the Middle Ages and became widespread with the growth of trade, governance, and professional networks. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many national and city annuaires appeared, often issued annually or semi-annually. With the advent of telecommunication and later digital technologies, many annuaires were transformed into online directories or databases, and some have become less common due to privacy and data protection laws.

Entries in annuaires are typically arranged alphabetically or by category, and may include names, addresses, phone numbers, occupations, affiliations, and brief biographical notes. Editions may include city maps, indexes, or subject lists and are periodically updated to reflect changes. In the modern era, annuaires persist as historical sources for genealogical research, business history, and local studies, while online equivalents offer searchability, linking, and integration with other data sources.