The Effect of the Web on Archives
Abstract
This article addresses the concept of the archival fonds in the context of the Internet environment. It offers first the current definition of records as well as the limits this concept faces because of the common use of an organic metaphor to depict the archival fonds. It then addresses the different definitions of records evident with the Internet, a domain dominated by the concept of the network rather than that of the organism. These two metaphors are likely not reconcilable in archival theory. This situation prompts detailed reflection on our understanding of archival practises so as to maintain their pertinence and effectiveness in this environment.
RÉSUMÉ
Ce texte aborde la notion de fonds d’archives dans le cadre de l’environnement Internet. Il présente d’abord la définition actuelle des archives ainsi que les limites qui sont imposées à cette conception par l’usage courant de la métaphore de l’organisme derrière le concept de fonds d’archives. Il relève ensuite les différentes définitions des archives qui opèrent dans la sphère Internet. Celle-ci semble dominée par le concept de réseau plutôt que celui d’organisme. Ces deux métaphores ne sont peut-être pas réconciliables dans la théorie archivistique. Cette situation force une réflexion en profondeur sur la compréhension même des pratiques archivistiques pour en maintenir la pertinence et l’efficacité dans cet environnement.
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