archiwistyk

Archiwistyka (archivistics) is the interdisciplinary field that studies archives, their creation, organization, preservation, and use. It covers theoretical foundations as well as practical methods for managing records from their creation through to long-term preservation and access. The aim is to ensure authenticity, integrity, and discoverability of documentary heritage.

Core concepts include provenance and the principle of respect des fonds, as well as appraisal, accessioning, and arrangement; description and finding aids; access policies; and conservation. The discipline combines aspects of history, information science, and preservation to support reliable retrieval and understanding of archival materials.

In the digital age archiwistyka addresses digitization, digital preservation, metadata standards, and issues such as format migration and emulation to keep digital records usable over time. It also explores access in the online environment, rights management, and user communities.

Education and practice: professionals are trained in archiwistyka at universities and specialized schools; they work in national and regional archives, local institutions, museums, and corporate records departments. They follow professional standards, best practices, and legal and ethical guidelines to ensure the long-term usability and authenticity of records.

Global context: archiwistyka is a recognized discipline worldwide, with national and international bodies guiding standards and discourse. In Poland the term archiwistyka is commonly used and linked to the work of state and institutional archives, reflecting the country’s organizational and legal framework for documentary heritage.