Archival science

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Archival science is the theory and study of the safe storage, cataloguing and retrieval of documents and items. ^[1] Emerging from diplomatics,^[2] the discipline also is concerned with the circumstances (context) under which the information or item was, and is used. Archival Science also encompasses the study of past efforts to preserve documents and items, remediation of those techniques in cases where those efforts have failed, and the development of new processes that avoid the pitfalls of previous (and failed) techniques. The field also includes the study of traditional and electronic catalogue storage methods, digital preservation and the long range impact of all types of storage programs. ^[3]

Traditionally, archival science has involved time honored methods for preserving items and information in climate controlled storage facilities. This technique involved both the cataloguing and accession of items into a collection archive, their retrieval and safe handling. However, the advent of digital documents and items, along with the development of electronic databases has caused the field to revaluate the means by which it not only accounts for items, but also how it maintains and accesses both information on items and the items themselves.^[4]

While generally associated with museums and libraries, the field also can pertain to individuals who maintain private collections (item or topic specific) or to the average person who seeks to properly care for, and either stop or slow down the deterioration of their family heirlooms and keepsakes.

Archival Science and course work pertaining to archival techniques as a course of study is taught in colleges and universities, usually under the umbrella of Information science or paired with a History program.

Professional organizations, such as the Society of American Archivists (SAA), also exist to act to further the study and professional development of the field. In 2002 SAA published Guidelines for a Graduate Program in Archival Studies,^[5] but these guidelines have not been adopted by the majority of programs providing degrees for those entering the archives field. As a result, practitioners of archival science may come from a varied background of library, history, or museum studies programs, and there is little uniformity in the education of new archivists entering the job market.

1 Some Colleges and universities teaching archival science
2 Textbooks
3 Terminology Guides
4 Biographies of Important Archivists
5 Footnotes
6 See also
7 External links

[edit] Some Colleges and universities teaching archival science

[edit] Textbooks

List of textbooks being used in archival, LIS, and related Courses. A comparative tool for curriculum development. Subject area categorization. Includes links to existing book reviews and offers the opportunity to contribute new reviews.