arkistohallinto

Arkistohallinto is the field of managing records and archives within organizations and institutions, encompassing the creation, appraisal, classification, storage, preservation, and provision of access to archival materials. It covers both public sector archives and private sector records management, and it intersects with information governance, records management, and cultural heritage preservation.

Functions include policy development for records creation and retention; appraisal and disposition; organization of records by series and metadata; physical and digital storage; conservation; digitization; description and finding aids; access and reference services; rights management, privacy, and data protection; and long-term preservation planning, including digital preservation.

In Finland, archival administration operates within a legal framework that regulates public records and archives, including the role of Kansallisarkisto (National Archives) and other archival institutions. Public bodies must maintain and preserve official records according to Arkistolaki and related laws, while regional and local archives preserve non-state materials. Archivists work to ensure accountability, transparency, and cultural heritage preservation, and to provide access to researchers and the public under applicable privacy and copyright restrictions.

In the digital age, arkistohallinto emphasizes digital preservation, metadata standards, and interoperability; common practices include using finding aids, EAD or Dublin Core metadata, and standardized retention schedules. The field also adapts to evolving technologies, employing digitization, born-digital preservation, and risk management strategies.