@article{47893cc5-a226-446e-bfd8-b30a7c822511,
author = {Hadrian Ciechanowski},
title = {Scientific function of archives – an attempt at definition and systematisation},
journal = {Archeion},
volume = {2020},
number = {121},
year = {2020},
issn = {0066-6041},
pages = {466-477},keywords = {scientific activities of archives; scientific function of archives; sharing archival materials for the needs of science},
abstract = {In previous works concerning science and archives, archivists focused on the scientific activities of archives. In particular, they reflected on what should be included as scientific activities undertaken by archives and what significance they have for the other areas of activity of such institutions. In general, no attempts were made to view the scientific function in a broader context, one not limited to activities undertaken by state archives, or to discover its essence. The aim of this article is an attempt to fill this gap by providing a general characteristic for the scientific function of archives that covers all archives, regardless of their affiliation to any network or organisation, owners or size. In view of the above, the reflections presented in the article are purely theoretical and offer an opportunity for a more extensive discussion on the significance of the scientific function of archives. The article was prepared on the basis of source literature supplemented with elements of sociological thought and reflections on the meaning of the terms considered to be of the utmost importance in the analysis of this issue, such as science, research, function and role. The reflections presented in the article lead to a definition of scientific function, which the author understands as any activity of archival institutions whose aim is to enable an increase in the body of knowledge gathered, and/or use of scientific method to increase this knowledge. The author also proposes a systematisation of the activities undertaken by archives as part of their scientific function, which he divides into those carried out by the archive outside the institution, inside it, and mixed activities.},
doi = {10.4467/26581264ARC.20.017.12974},
url = {https://ejournals.eu/en/journal/archeion/article/funkcja-naukowa-archiwow-proba-definicji-i-systematyzacji}
}