archival science

archival science
Name	Archival Science
Field	Information science
Subfields	Records management, Digital preservation, Archival description
Notable ideas	Provenance, Original order, Respect des fonds
Notable figures	Hilary Jenkinson, Theodore Schellenberg, Michel Duchein

archival science. Archival science is the discipline dedicated to the study and practice of the appraisal, acquisition, preservation, description, and provision of access to records of enduring value. It is grounded in a distinct theoretical framework that guides the management of records from their creation to their long-term curation. The field has evolved significantly from its origins in antiquity and medieval chanceries to address the complexities of modern records and data.

Definition and scope

Archival science is defined by its focus on records deemed to possess continuing value for legal, administrative, or cultural reasons, transcending their original purpose. Its scope encompasses the entire records lifecycle, from creation through active use to permanent preservation. This includes the development of policies and systems for records management within organizations, as well as the custodial practices of archival institutions like the National Archives and Records Administration or the British Library. The discipline's scope has expanded to confront challenges posed by electronic records, email preservation, and digital forensics.

History and development

The systematic keeping of records dates to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, where tablets were stored in libraries, and Ancient Egypt, with its papyrus archives. Modern archival theory began to coalesce in 19th-century Europe, influenced by the French Revolution's seizure of church and aristocratic archives. Key figures include Natalis de Wailly, who formalized the principle of respect des fonds at the Archives Nationales (France). In the 20th century, Hilary Jenkinson articulated a custodial philosophy in his Manual of Archive Administration, while Theodore Schellenberg, of the National Archives (United States), developed functional appraisal theories distinguishing between evidential value and informational value.

Core principles and theories

The foundational theoretical framework rests on several core principles. Provenance dictates that records be organized according to their source of creation, maintaining the context of the record creator. Closely related is the principle of original order, which preserves the filing sequence established by the creator. These concepts underpin the respect des fonds approach. Contemporary theory also engages with postmodernism, critiquing archival neutrality and power structures, as seen in the work of scholars like Terry Cook. The Records Continuum Model, developed in Australia as an alternative to the lifecycle concept, further influences modern thought.

Archival functions and processes

The practical application of theory involves a sequence of core functions. Archival appraisal is the process of determining which records have enduring value, often guided by institutional policies. Following acquisition, records undergo arrangement and description, resulting in finding aids such as inventories or guides that conform to standards like Encoded Archival Description. Preservation activities include conservation of physical materials and digital preservation strategies like migration and emulation. Finally, reference services and access programs facilitate use by researchers at institutions like the Smithsonian Institution.

Professional practice and ethics

Professional practice is governed by codes of ethics from bodies like the International Council on Archives and the Society of American Archivists. These codes emphasize the archivist's responsibility to maintain the integrity of records, protect privacy and confidentiality, and ensure equitable access. Key ethical issues include navigating copyright and intellectual property restrictions, managing sensitive information in collections, and maintaining professional neutrality amidst political pressures. Practitioners often engage in advocacy, promoting the value of archives to entities such as UNESCO and national governments.

Relationship to other disciplines

Archival science maintains a strong interdisciplinary relationship with several fields. It is a core component of information science, sharing concerns with library science in areas like cataloging and knowledge organization, though focused on unique groups of records. It is deeply connected to history, as archives provide the primary source foundation for historical research. The field intersects with computer science through digital humanities projects and the development of preservation metadata standards. Furthermore, it engages with law regarding legal evidence and compliance, and with museum studies in the care of cultural heritage.

Category:Information science Category:Archival science