Archives and Electronic Archiving

Abstract

This article provides an introductory account of archives and electronic archiving in light of technological transformations affecting institutions, administrations, and methods of preserving and circulating documents. It begins by defining the archive as a body of documents produced by administrative and technical activities, then distinguishes between current archives and archiving as the process of preserving, organizing, and storing data and information on electronic media for future retrieval. The article discusses the nature of archival materials and the importance of archives for institutions in preserving administrative and historical memory and facilitating access to information. It also highlights the value of electronic archiving in responding to the growth of documents and the increasing need for rapid retrieval. The article examines the role of the archivist in the digital environment, particularly in acquiring technical skills, organizing documents, applying bibliographic and subject control, and using the Internet for information exchange. It reviews the advantages of electronic archives, including saving physical space, enabling easier access, linking institutional branches, reducing duplication, and improving administrative performance, while noting challenges related to confidentiality, cost, updating, and technical failures. The article concludes that clear long-term digital preservation policies are needed to balance digitization, microfilm, and document protection requirements.