arkistointiarvoista

Arkistointiarvo is a Finnish term meaning the archival value of a document or group of documents. It is used by libraries, archives and government agencies to decide whether a file should be preserved because it contains information of historical, cultural, or scientific importance that cannot be obtained elsewhere. The concept is central to the Finnish archival tradition, ensuring that only items with genuine long‑term significance are kept while routine or redundant records are discarded.

The criteria for determining arkistointiarvo are set out in national guidelines and legislation. Documents that provide evidence of public administration, scientific research, cultural life or personal narratives in a way that offers unique insight into society usually receive high value. Factors such as rarity, authenticity, completeness, continuity and documentary quality are weighed together with the document’s relevance to current and future research needs. State archives maintain detailed evaluation forms and record the reasoning behind each decision so that future users can understand the basis of preservation.

In practice, a range of bodies—including the National Library of Finland, local municipal archives and specialised heritage organisations—apply the value assessment when cataloguing new material or when receiving donations. The process often involves experts from archival science, history, and subject areas. The outcome determines whether a document remains in microfilm, digital storage, or is ultimately released to the public. By focusing on arkistointiarvo, Finland ensures that its documentary heritage is managed sustainably, balancing preservation costs with cultural benefit.