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Quest: Why are archives so different from libraries?
Archives and libraries are fundamentally different in function and purpose, which makes them show completely different characteristics in the preservation of culture and history. Archives are generally defined as primary records produced over the life course of an individual or organization that provide evidence of the history and function of those individuals or organizations.
"Archives are metaphorically defined as secretions of living organisms; they are natural and necessary products, not consciously created documents."
Compared to archives, libraries mainly collect documents to facilitate readers to obtain knowledge and information. Books and journals in libraries are often edited and published and exist in multiple copies, in stark contrast to the unique nature of archives.
Characteristics of archives
The character of an archive focuses on its enduring cultural, historical or evidential value. They are often original and unpublished, fulfilling the need to preserve a true historical record. In archives, professional record managers are called archivists, and their work includes organizing, preserving and providing access to archives.
"The archive's many users include historians, legal practitioners and documentary filmmakers."
History and origin of the archives
The concept of archives originated in ancient times. As early as thousands of years BC, humans began to store important documents in specific places. Historians have discovered many ancient foreign books and clay tablets during archaeological excavations in various places. These materials have helped scholars understand early written symbols and their purposes.
“The archives of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia record the political, commercial and social life of the time, and these materials have been preserved to provide us with rich historical materials today.”
Different types of archives
Depending on their purpose and owner, archives can be divided into several categories: academic archives, business archives, government archives, non-profit archives, and organizational archives. Academic archives are usually kept in university libraries, while business archives revolve around the history of companies and the awakening of brands.
“The purpose of academic archives is to preserve the history of an institution, while commercial archives are used to help companies control their brand image.”
Library Functions
Compared to the uniqueness of archives, the function of libraries is to promote the sharing and circulation of knowledge and to serve the public by managing and providing access to a variety of publications. Materials in libraries are usually intended for a wide audience and do not have the unique confidentiality of archives.
"Libraries have many copies of books, while archives usually have only one material."
Protection of cultural property
In today's context of natural disasters and threats of war, the protection of cultural property stored in archives has become increasingly important. Organizations such as the International Council on Archives and Blue Shield International have collaborated to advance the protection of cultural property.
"Archives are not just places to store information, but also protectors of cultural memory."
Exploring the future of archival science
With the advent of the digital age, the emergence of new forms such as online archives has brought challenges and opportunities to traditional archival science. This not only prompts changes in the way archives are preserved and used, but also makes us rethink the boundary between archives and materials. In the future, can archival science find a balance between tradition and modernity and maintain its importance and relevance?
It is not difficult to see that archives and libraries have their own characteristics and functions, and they play different roles in cultural inheritance. This makes us wonder, in today's digital age, how should we view the intersection of the two and their future development direction?
