Archival science

Quick Facts: Who was Archival science?

Subject:

Archival science

Known for:

The theory and practice of building, curating, and preserving historical records in all formats.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Archival science, or archival studies, is the study and theory of building and curating archives, which are collections of documents, recordings, photographs and various other materials in physical or digital formats. To build and curate an archive, one must acquire and evaluate the materials, and be able to access them later. To this end, archival science seeks to improve methods for appraising, storing, preserving, and processing (arranging and describing) collections of materials. An archival record preserves data that is not intended to change. In order to be of value to society, archives must be trustworthy.

Career & Major Achievements

Therefore, an archivist has a responsibility to authenticate archival materials, such as historical documents, and to ensure their reliability, integrity, and usability. Archival records must be what they claim to be; accurately represent the activity they were created for; present a coherent picture through an array of content; and be in usable condition in an accessible location. An archive curator is called an archivist; the curation of an archive is called archive administration. Archival science emerged from diplomatics, the critical analysis of documents. Archival science is also closely related to historical archaeography, an interdisciplinary field that analyses various, mutually correlated aspects and properties of ancient manuscripts and early printed materials, and thus prepares and produces scholarly descriptions and editions.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1540, Jacob von Rammingen (1510–1582) wrote the manuscript of the earliest known archival manual. He was an expert on registries (Registraturen), the German word for what later became known as archives. Rammingen elaborated a registry for the Augsburg city council. However, since he could not attend the council meeting, he described the structure and management of the archives in writing. Although this is not the first work about archival science (Rammingen himself refers to earlier literature about record-keeping), earlier manuals were usually not published.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1540: 1540 Milestone — In 1540, Jacob von Rammingen (1510–1582) wrote the manuscript of the earliest known archival manual.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Archival science

True or False: “Archival science began with the formal publication of a universal set of international laws governing all archives.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): There is no universal set of laws or standards that governs the form or mission of archival institutions; guidelines like ICA and ISO are used instead.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Amago Yoshihisa — Historical peer (Born in 1540) (1540): A daimyō of Izumo Province who fought the Mōri clan and later served under them.
• Barbara Flaminia — Historical peer (Born in 1540) (1540): Pioneering Italian stage actress, famed for her rivalry and international tours.
• Ambroise Paré — Historical peer (Born in 1510) (1510): Father of modern surgery, pioneer in wound treatment and battlefield medicine.
• Francisco de Almeida — Historical peer (Died in 1510) (1510): Portuguese nobleman, soldier, and key architect of Portuguese power in the Indian Ocean.
• Akechi Mitsuhide — Historical peer (Died in 1582) (1582): A prominent samurai general of the Sengoku period, known for his betrayal of Oda Nobunaga.
• Altan Khan — Historical peer (Died in 1582) (1582): Mongolian prince and leader of the Tümed Mongols, patron of the Gelug school.

Frequently Asked Questions about Archival science