Definition of 'Archive'Libraries and ArchivesAlmost ArchivesTypes of Archival RepositoryWho Uses Archives?Why Are Archives Important?Activity Definition of 'Archive'The word ‘archive’ is hard to define, as it is used in various ways, depending on context. It can mean:A collection of items which form evidence of the activities of a person or institution.A building where historical records are kept – also called ‘archive centres’, ‘record offices’ or ‘repositories’.Any papers that are old or used infrequently.The act of adding records to an archive.Throughout this website, we shall consider the word ‘archive’ to mean:A collection of documents created or gathered by one person or institution and selected for long-term preservation as evidence of their activities.The format of these documents does not matter; they can be medieval parchment documents, maps, photographs or even digital files. They can be centuries old or just weeks old.Archival documents are primary sources, having been crea...
