arkistoarvoon

Arkistoarvoon is a Finnish term that translates to "archival value" in English. It refers to the inherent significance of a document, record, or other material that makes it worthy of permanent preservation by an archive. This value is not determined by the present-day usefulness of the item, but rather by its potential to provide evidence of past events, activities, or people for future researchers and the public.

There are several types of archival value. Primary value relates to the purpose for which the record was created and maintained. This could include administrative, legal, fiscal, or evidential value, meaning the record documents an organization's functions, legal obligations, financial transactions, or the rights and responsibilities of individuals. Secondary value emerges when the record becomes important for purposes beyond its original intent. This often includes historical value, where the record sheds light on social, cultural, or political history, or informational value, where it contains unique or rare information not available elsewhere.

Decisions about archival value are typically made by archivists, who assess records based on established criteria and policies. The goal is to ensure that materials with enduring significance are preserved for posterity, while those with only temporary relevance are appropriately managed and disposed of. Ultimately, the concept of archival value guides the selective preservation of our collective memory.