arkistointitiede

Arkistointitiede, also known as archival science, is the academic discipline that deals with the principles and practices of managing and preserving records and archives. It encompasses the study of how to create, appraise, organize, describe, and preserve records of enduring value. The field addresses the entire lifecycle of records, from their creation to their eventual disposition, whether that be destruction or permanent preservation in an archive.

Key areas within arkistointitiede include records management, which focuses on the efficient and systematic control of records during their active use, and archival theory, which explores the fundamental concepts and ethical considerations guiding archival work. Appraisal is a critical function, determining which records possess sufficient historical, legal, or administrative significance to warrant long-term retention. Description involves creating finding aids and metadata to make archival materials accessible to researchers. Preservation techniques, both physical and digital, are also central to the discipline, ensuring the longevity and integrity of archival holdings.

Arkistointitiede plays a vital role in safeguarding institutional memory, supporting accountability, and facilitating historical research. It is practiced in a variety of settings, including government archives, university archives, corporate archives, and special collections libraries. The discipline is continuously evolving to address the challenges posed by the digital age, including the management of born-digital records and the long-term preservation of electronic information.