ARCHIVAL SCIENCE AS AN INFORMATION SCIENCE

Abstract

The paper argues that archival science is the science of contextual transfer. Contextual transfer takes place when information is transferred from one place and point in time (context) to other places and points in time. Archival science examines this transfer: what makes information usable across contexts; what information should be transferred; how the information should be organized, managed, and preserved; what the transferred information is used for and what are the impacts that the information has for individuals and the society. This view to archival science connects it explicitly with other information sciences and opens possibilities for both the records profession and its research.