ARCHIVAL RECORD Meaning and
Definition
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An archival record refers to any document or item of historical, cultural, or informational significance that has been preserved for long-term storage and future reference. These records encompass a wide range of materials, such as written documents, photographs, audio/video recordings, artworks, maps, and artifacts. Archival records are typically safeguarded by professional archivists within specialized institutions like archives, libraries, museums, or government repositories.
The primary purpose of creating archival records is to ensure the preservation and accessibility of valuable information for research, education, and public use. By maintaining these records, archivists play a crucial role in recording and preserving the collective memory of societies. Archival records often possess enduring value due to their ability to shed light on historical events, cultural practices, scientific discoveries, or personal experiences.
Archival records are characterized by their authenticity, originality, uniqueness, and evidential value. They are typically organized and described according to established archival principles and practices, such as provenance, which traces the history and origin of the record, and original order, which reflects the way the records were organized by their creators. These records may be made available to researchers, scholars, or the public through various means, including physical access to the original records, digitization, or online databases.
Archival records serve as important sources of information for various fields, including history, sociology, anthropology, genealogy, and journalism. They provide a rich and diverse collection of primary sources that greatly contribute to our understanding of the past and present, and help shape the future by facilitating knowledge creation and sharing.
Etymology of ARCHIVAL RECORD
The term "archival record" comes from the combination of two words: "archive" and "record".
1. Archive: The word "archive" originated from the Greek word "arkheion", which refers to a house or government office where official documents and records are stored. In ancient Greece, these documents held important legal, administrative, or historical significance. The Greek word "arkheion" was derived from "arkhe" meaning "government" or "to rule".
2. Record: The word "record" has Latin origins and can be traced back to the Latin word "recordari", which means "to remember". The term gradually developed to represent written documents or accounts that preserve information or events.
Combining these two words, "archival record" refers to a document or record that is stored within an archive. It implies a historical, legal, or administrative document preserved for future reference and research.
