Changes

The archives of an individual may include [[letters]], papers, photographs, computer files, scrapbooks, financial records or diaries created or collected by the individual – regardless of [[media]] or [[format]]. The archives of an organization (such as a [[corporation]] or [[government]]) tend to contain other types of records, such as administrative files, business records, memos, official correspondence and meeting minutes.

The archives of an individual may include [[letters]], papers, photographs, computer files, scrapbooks, financial records or diaries created or collected by the individual – regardless of [[media]] or [[format]]. The archives of an organization (such as a [[corporation]] or [[government]]) tend to contain other types of records, such as administrative files, business records, memos, official correspondence and meeting minutes.

 

In general, archives consist of records which have been selected for permanent or long-term preservation, due to their enduring [[research]] value. Archival records are normally unpublished and almost always [[unique]], unlike [[books]] or magazines for which many identical copies exist. This means that archives (the places) are quite distinct from libraries with regard to their functions and organization, although archival collections can often be found within library buildings.

In general, archives consist of records which have been selected for permanent or long-term preservation, due to their enduring [[research]] value. Archival records are normally unpublished and almost always [[unique]], unlike [[books]] or magazines for which many identical copies exist. This means that archives (the places) are quite distinct from libraries with regard to their functions and organization, although archival collections can often be found within library buildings.

Archivists tend to prefer the term 'archives' (with an S) as the correct terminology to serve as both the singular and plural, since 'archive,' as a noun or a verb, has meanings related to computer science.[3]

Archivists tend to prefer the term 'archives' (with an S) as the correct terminology to serve as both the singular and plural, since 'archive,' as a noun or a verb, has meanings related to computer science.[3]

==Users and institutions==

==Users and institutions==

Historians, genealogists, lawyers, demographers, filmmakers, and others conduct research at archives.[4] The research process at each archive is unique, and depends upon the institution in which the archive is housed. While there are many different kinds of archives, the most recent census of archivists in the United States identified five major types: academic, for profit (business), government, non profit, and other.[5]

Historians, genealogists, lawyers, demographers, filmmakers, and others conduct research at archives.[4] The research process at each archive is unique, and depends upon the institution in which the archive is housed. While there are many different kinds of archives, the most recent census of archivists in the United States identified five major types: academic, for profit (business), government, non profit, and other.[5]