Curating the Collective Memory - Part 1

Curating archives as part of our collective memory involves a continuous process comprising three core activities: (1) appraisal, through collaboration with public bodies to identify records eligible for permanent preservation; (2) disclosure of archival holdings by means of inventories and other research instruments; and (3) support for diverse user groups in locating relevant information. Each of these stages presents specific methodological and organisational challenges.The first part of the presentation introduces these principles in the context of physical archiving, focusing on traditional archival practices and their practical constraints.The second part addresses digital archiving, where the same core functions are performed under significantly altered conditions. Born-digital materials, rapidly increasing data volumes, and evolving legal and regulatory frameworks place substantial pressure on established workflows. Addressing these challenges requires adaptive procedures to ensure the long-term integrity, authenticity, accessibility, and usability of digital archives.