arkivs

Arkivs, or archives, are repositories that preserve records of enduring value created or received by individuals, organizations, or governments. They hold documents, correspondence, photographs, maps, audio and video recordings, and other materials that document activities, decisions, and historical events. Archives can be national or regional, local government, corporate, or personal collections, and they serve researchers, historians, government accountability, and cultural memory. They differ from libraries in focusing on records as evidence and provenance rather than primarily on published texts.

Archivist practice follows core principles designed to maintain the integrity and usefulness of materials. Respect des fonds emphasizes keeping records with their original creator and in their original order to preserve context. Provenance, or the origin of the records, is also important to avoid mixing unrelated series. Appraisal determines what is retained for long-term preservation, while arrangement and description create finding aids that help users locate and understand materials. Metadata, accession records, and cataloging describe content, provenance, access conditions, and preservation needs.

The digital era has expanded the scope of arkivs to include born-digital records and digitized materials. Archives undertake digitization, digital preservation, and the creation of online catalogs and finding aids to facilitate remote access. They confront challenges such as format obsolescence, data degradation, and the need to manage access rights and privacy.

Access to archival materials is governed by policy and law, balancing openness with privacy, security, and ethical considerations. Restrictions may apply to sensitive or personal information, with processes for anonymization or controlled access. Archives are valued for enabling scholarly research, providing evidence for public accountability, and preserving cultural and historical heritage for future generations.