arkivkvalitet

Arkivkvalitet, or archive quality, is a core concept in archival science and records management. It refers to the degree to which an archival collection or repository preserves information in a trustworthy, usable form over time. It covers both physical archives and digital records, including the integrity of content and the usefulness of access tools.

Key dimensions include authenticity and integrity of records, reliability of the archival description, accessibility and usability for users, and long-term preservability. Metadata quality, provenance, structure, and format sustainability are essential components, as is the ability to reconstruct the original recording context.

Practices that contribute to arkivkvalitet include systematic appraisal, accessioning, and preservation planning; high-quality metadata creation following standards such as ISO 15489; the use of stable file formats (where feasible) and preservation metadata (PREMIS); integrity verification with checksums; storage redundancy; migrations or emulation to counter obsolescence; and governance with documented policies and procedures.

Standards and frameworks guide arkivkvalitet, including the OAIS reference model and ISO standards for digital repositories, such as ISO 16363. National archives often publish guidelines for metadata, description, access, and long-term preservation. Independent audits and certifications help attest to a repository’s trustworthiness.

Challenges include resource constraints, rapid technological change, format obsolescence, and balancing openness with privacy and rights. Despite these challenges, maintaining arkivkvalitet is essential for ensuring legal compliance, historical research, and accountability over time.