archiwistyce

Archiwistyka, or archival science, is the discipline that studies the creation, management, preservation, and accessibility of records and archives. It combines theory and professional practice to ensure that records retain authenticity, integrity, provenance, and context throughout their life cycle. Core activities include appraisal and acquisition, arrangement and description, reference and access services, and conservation of both physical and digital materials. The field also addresses governance, legal and ethical issues such as privacy, intellectual property, and transparency, and it operates within memory institutions including national and state archives, libraries, and museums.

Archival practice relies on established methods and international standards for description and metadata. Notable frameworks include ISAD(G) for finding aids, ISAAR(CPF) for corporate and creator authority, EAD for encoding finding aids, PREMIS for preservation metadata, and Dublin Core for interoperability. Foundational concepts such as provenance, respect des fonds, original order, and maintainable metadata underpin the discipline’s approach to records.

Historically, archival science emerged with the professionalization of archives in the 19th and 20th centuries and has adapted to digital technology. In Poland, archiwistyka has developed alongside state archives and national heritage policies, while engaging global standards and networks. Educational programs train archivists in appraisal, description, conservation, and digital stewardship, preparing them for roles in archives, records management, information governance, and digital preservation.

Contemporary archiwistyka addresses born-digital records, digitization, and long-term preservation, emphasizing sustainability, access, and user needs. It considers privacy, access rights, data protection, and open government, while exploring new models of collaboration and public engagement with archival resources.