Archival Classification and Knowledge Organization: Theoretical Possibilities for the Archival Field

Abstract

The main goal of this study is to outline a possible relation between archival classification and knowledge organization theory. In this sense, we seek to contribute to the conceptual classification in Archival Science, since there is a lack of systematization about archival classification; not just classification, but even the study of historical and conceptual aspects of the discipline. In the context of knowledge organization there is a considerable amount of research on how to build classification schemes and indexing systems that can help contribute to and expand archival classification theory. In order to comprehend this vast field of theories and methodologies we construct a parallel comparing the classification concepts in both areas and analyzing these concepts. Contexts: The Archival Classification The Archival Science has been looking to demarcate its actuation space, with studies related to a reconsideration of its methods and techniques. We seek in this article to demonstrate some possible contact points between archival classification and knowledge organization especially in terms of contributions from the second for the theoretical growth of archival classification. Thus this work is also related to conceptual classification, since there is a lack of systematization about archival classification. Theoretical discussions are essential for maturation of the discipline in order to fill gaps in historical and epistemological frames. Several authors have written on classification as a concept and its theoretical and practical applications, e.g. Laura Millar (2002), Terry Cook (2004, 2005), Brien Brothman (1999, 2006) e Chris Hurley (1995a, 1995b, 1998, 2000) Tennis (2010, 2011) and Dahlberg (1993, 2006). In the context of knowledge organization there is a considerable amount of research trying to understand how to build classification schemes and indexing systems. These studies can, in a broad sense, help to contribute and expand archival classification theory. So we try to link the discussion of functional classification promulgated in the current archival theory, with the development of classification schemes and classification as an area of study in knowledge organization (see for example, the articles by Tennis (2010, 2011). So, we seek to compare the notions/concepts of classification not to find a definition or a unique sense for both areas, but to understand the differences and similarities in thinking about a reconsideration of archival classification, but also having in mind the archival classification specificities. In archival field there is a plurality of terms to designate the activity of classification of documents. Currently Archival Science – in terms of both theoretical and practical aspects is undergoing profound transformation. A number of publications have tried to define the boundaries of the field and there is also research on functional classification for the organization of modern records. These have been studied in Australia and Canada as a response to the current understanding of the archival institutions. We can highlight the important contributions of Laura Millar (2002), Terry Cook (2004, 2005), Brien Brothman (1999, 2006) and Chris Hurley (1995a, 1995b, 1998, 2000), Terry Eastwood (2000) responsible for the changes in automated description, assessment and functional analysis of the records. All these changes have implications for understanding the concept of