CHALLENGING THE ARCHIVAL ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

Archival arrangement is one of the main activities in archival processing. It is assumed it is based on common understandings and principles. However, there are archival practices that does not fully comply with these principles and understandings, and yet the archives still exist and users are still using the records. Consequently, it may be questioned if the archival principles are not cultural-conditioned and in what circumstances archival arrangement, as presented in international professional literature, can add value to archival processing. The work implied should balance the practical reality of resources and needs of the stakeholders. The modern technologies bring a transformation of archival arrangement, converting it from physical to virtual by reducing the relevance physical location of a record on shelves in favour of a logical property of records.