Archive facts for kids
An archive is a special place where important records and documents are kept safe. It's like a memory bank for history! These records are collected over time by people, groups, or even governments. They are chosen to be kept for a very long time, sometimes forever.
Unlike books you find in a library, records in an archive are usually unique. This means they are often the only copies of that specific document. Think of them as original clues from the past, not copies that have been published many times.
What is an Archive?
Archives hold many types of records. These can include letters, maps, photographs, videos, and even computer files. They are like "by-products" of daily life and work. For example, a company's old business papers or a government's official reports become archive records.
The main goal of an archive is to preserve these records. This makes sure future generations can learn from them. It also helps people understand history, solve problems, and make decisions.
Who Works in Archives?
A person who works in an archive is called an archivist. Their job is very important! Archivists carefully organize, protect, and make sure people can find the records they need. They are like detectives of history, making sure the past is not lost.
The study of how to manage archives is called archival science. This field teaches archivists the best ways to care for old documents. It also helps them make sure these records are easy for researchers to use.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Reading room of the Österreichisches Staatsarchiv (Austrian State Archive), in the Erdberg district of Vienna (2006)
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Charles Sturt University Regional Archives.
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Illustration of the epistemologic changes of the digital humanities: archives organized with network visualization and analysis. League of Nations archives (UN Geneva).
See also
In Spanish: Archivo de documentos para niños
