Material Cultures of Archiving : An Introduction to a Global and Historical Practice

The history of archiving and record-keeping has recently attracted a lot of attention, however, scholarship on the physical and spatial aspects of that history are still scant. Hence, the volume foregrounds the material aspect of record-keeping and highlights the object-nature of archiving. Chapters on archive-related document preparation and the composition of archivable records are followed by explorations of storage containers, furniture, and spaces.
The volume is cross-cultural in nature, highlighting the materiality of record-keeping practices as a prime entry point for a globally comparative history of archiving. Exploring the rich traditions of record-keeping practices and facilities makes visible previously underappreciated parallels and unique specifics of various archival cultures from around the globe.

Markus Friedrich, Historisches Institut, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg.

Markus Friedrich, Institute for Modern History, Hamburg University, Hamburg, Germany.