The archivist and his partners : specific fields, converging steps

Periodically comparisons are drawn between archives, libraries and museums in order to determine their particular domains and boundaries and their distinctive methods. An up to date analysis is provided which aims at a better understanding of what are today the convergences and specialisms of these three organisations, all central to the conservation of our heritage. In the mind of the general public, and in very broad terms, manuscripts go to the archives, printed material to libraries and objects to museums, but in reality there exist many areas of overlap and sources of occasional competition, as regards, for example, official publications, photographs, prints and the private papers of writers, politicians or scientists. Whether they form part of a single profession with specialists or belong on the contrary to quite distinct professions, the professionals of the three institutions have to respond to an increasing number and variety of users - researchers and members of the general public, young people and the retired. However the huge and progressive spread of information technology offers new avenues for cooperation without renouncing methods which are traditional in their three spheres.
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