Preservation is a cornerstone of archival science, ensuring that materials are protected from deterioration and loss of information. This practice is crucial for maintaining the originality and integrity of archival collections. By applying scientific principles and professional practices, preservation aims to retain all the information that materials have to offer, ideally in a noninvasive way. This article delves into the significance of preservation within
archival science and how it supports the broader goals of the field.
Preservation and Its Goals
Preservation in archival science is defined as the act of protecting materials from physical deterioration or loss of information. The primary goal is to maintain as much originality as possible while ensuring that all information is retained. This involves a careful balance of scientific principles and professional practices to be maximally effective. In an archival context, preservation refers to the care of all the aggregates within a collection, ensuring that each item is maintained in its original state as much as possible.
Conservation is often included in preservation practices, and these two definitions frequently overlap. Conservation focuses on the physical treatment of materials to stabilize them, while preservation encompasses a broader range of activities aimed at prolonging the life of collections. Together, they form a comprehensive approach to safeguarding archival materials for future generations.
The Historical Context of Preservation
The concept of preservation emerged with the establishment of the first central archives. During the French Revolution, the Archives Nationales was established in 1789 and later transformed into a central archive in 1794. This marked the beginning of a trend where countries established national archives to preserve and store documents and records as they were created and received. This movement was reinforced by cultural and scientific changes in the late eighteenth century, leading to the establishment of many museums, national libraries, and national archives in Europe.
These institutions were tasked with ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of maintaining records in their original form. The practice of preservation became a fundamental aspect of archival science, emphasizing the need to protect materials from the ravages of time and environmental factors.
Modern Preservation Practices
Today, preservation in archival science involves a range of strategies to maintain the integrity of collections. Physical maintenance includes rehousing items in acid-free containers, storing them in climate-controlled areas, and copying deteriorating items. Digital preservation has also become a critical component, involving the implementation of policies and strategies to ensure that digitized documents remain accurate and accessible over time.
Metadata plays a crucial role in both traditional and digital preservation, as it helps archivists locate specific records and preserve the context in which they were created. By assigning appropriate metadata, archivists can improve the accessibility and authenticity of records, ensuring that they remain a valuable resource for future research and study.
