23.Aims and methodology of archival science

Archival science is distinct from other sciences because of its aims, its object and its methodology. Its object is process-bound information, which is to say: both the information itself and the processes that have generated and structured that information. Its aims are the establishment and maintenance of archival quality, that is to say: of the optimal visibility and durability of the records, the generating work processes and their mutual bond. Its methodology is the analysis, recording and maintenance of the links between the function of the information recorded on the one hand and its form, structure and provenance context on the other. Archival methodology (through the application of principles and procedures articulated and developed from archival theory) provide the basis for the establishment of functional requirements for record-keeping systems, the adequate maintenance, use, and retrieval of records, the foundations for a justified appraisal policy, for a careful and efficient system of physical and intellectual control over records and for the efficient and effective retrieval and use of records. It is aimed, in particular, at maintaining the formal quality of process-bound information, by ensuring its availability, readability, completeness, relevance, representativeness, topicality, authenticity and reliability.