archivistica

Archivistica, or archival science, is the study and practice of managing records and archives to preserve their evidential and informational value for present and future users. It blends theoretical frameworks with practical methods for creating, appraising, organizing, describing, preserving, and providing access to documentary materials.

Key concepts include provenance and the principle of respect des fonds, which guide the organization of records by their origin and context. A life-cycle perspective treats records as assets that gain or lose value over time, influencing decisions about retention, transfer, and disposal. Organization relies on arrangement by series and file units, while description and metadata enable discovery and interoperability through finding aids and catalog records.

Core processes encompass appraisal and retention scheduling, which determine what to preserve; arrangement and description, including standards such as ISAD(G) for general description and ISAAR(CPF) for corporate bodies and persons, and EAD for encoded finding aids. Access policies balance openness with privacy, copyright, and security concerns. The digital era introduces challenges in digitization, digital preservation, and long‑term accessibility, often guided by the OAIS reference model and the use of preservation metadata and format migration or emulation.

Organizations hosting archives range from national and regional archives to corporate and institutional repositories. Archivistica also covers records management within ongoing operations, ensuring that records are captured and managed throughout their life cycle. Professionals are trained in archival theory and practice, and participate in international and national associations such as the International Council on Archives and the Society of American Archivists.

The discipline supports accountability, legal compliance, historical research, cultural heritage, and transparent governance by ensuring that authentic records remain accessible and trustworthy over time.