arkistokuvauksen

Arkistokuvauksen is a Finnish term that translates to archival description or archival arrangement. It refers to the systematic process of organizing, cataloging, and describing archival materials to make them accessible and understandable to researchers and the public. This process is fundamental to archival science and ensures the long-term preservation and usability of historical records.

The core of arkistokuvauksen involves creating metadata that accurately represents the content, context, and provenance of archival fonds and their constituent parts. This metadata can include information about the creator of the records, the period they were created, their subject matter, their physical characteristics, and their relationship to other records. Standardized descriptive rules and formats, such as the International Standard Archival Description (ISAD(G)) or the Finnish Archival Description Standard, are often employed to ensure consistency and interoperability.

Arkistokuvauksen goes beyond simple listing; it involves intellectual analysis and arrangement of records in accordance with archival principles like provenance and original order. The goal is to reconstruct the context in which the records were created and used, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of their historical significance. Effective archival description is crucial for navigating large and complex archival collections and for enabling efficient retrieval of relevant information. It underpins the intellectual control necessary for the responsible management and use of cultural heritage.