archivísticas

Archivística, or archival science, is the discipline that studies the creation, management, preservation, and use of archives. An archive comprises records created or received by individuals, organizations, or institutions that are valued for their enduring informational or evidential value. The field emphasizes provenance and respect des fonds as guiding principles for organization and interpretation, aiming to ensure that records remain authentic, understandable, and accessible over time.

Core activities in archivística include appraisal (deciding which records to keep and for how long), arrangement and description (creating finding aids and catalog records), metadata and access (facilitating discovery and use), reference services, and preservation and conservation (protecting material integrity in both physical and digital forms). In the digital era, the discipline also addresses born-digital records, digitization, digital preservation, and access strategies that balance usability with privacy, security, and copyright considerations. Standards and guidelines commonly referenced in archivística include ISAD(G) for archival description, ISAAR(CPF) for authority records, EAD for encoded finding aids, DACS in some regions, and ISO 15489 for records management, among others.

Education and professional practice: Archivists work in archives, libraries, museums, government agencies, universities, and private organizations. Typical roles include archivist, conservator, records manager, information specialist, and digital archivist. Training often involves specialized degrees in archival science or information science, with ongoing professional development through associations, certifications, and regional guidelines. The field intersects with history, library science, and information science to support research, accountability, and cultural memory, while adapting to evolving technologies and legal frameworks governing access and privacy.