arkivë

Arkivë is the Albanian term for an archive, defined as a collection of recorded information preserved for long-term use. It encompasses both the physical location that stores documents and the materials contained within, including correspondence, administrative records, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and digital files. In Albanian usage, arkivë denotes institutions such as archive houses, as well as the act of preserving records. The concept mirrors the usage of “archive” in many languages and shares its roots with Latin archīvum, via French archives and the English term archive.

Archivist practice centers on durable organization and access. Core principles include provenance (the origin and history of records), original order (maintaining the arrangement in which records were created), and respect for privacy and security. Archival description uses metadata so researchers can locate items. Preservation involves climate-controlled storage, careful handling, and, increasingly, digitization to create accessible digital copies while reducing wear on originals.

Types of arkivë vary by country and institution. Public archives collect government records; corporate, ecclesiastical, and private family archives preserve material of non-governmental origin. In the digital age, many arkivë include online catalogs and digital collections, with policies governing access and reuse.

Beyond functioning as storage, arkivë serve as sources for accountability, scholarship, and cultural memory. They support historians, journalists, and citizens in understanding the past and the workings of institutions.