International Council of Archives

What are archives ?

Archives are the documentary by-product of human activity retained for their long-term value. They are contemporary records created by individuals and organisations as they go about their business and therefore provide a direct window on past events. They can come in a wide range of formats including written, photographic, moving image, sound, digital and analogue. Archives are held by public and private institutions and individuals around the world.

Why is it important to support archives?

Archives are witnesses to the past. They provide evidence, explanation and justification both for past actions and current decisions. Archives enable society to undertake a wide range of roles that enable civilised communities to take root and flourish, from enabling education and research, providing entertainment and leisure, to protecting human rights and confirming identity. Archives are unique, contemporaneous records and so once lost cannot be replaced. It is only through proper identification, care and wide access that the vital role that archives has can be fully realised to the benefit of humanity.

How is ICA funded?

ICA is a not-for-profit organisation, funded by its membership, which includes public bodies. It is not reliant on any one organisation or government for funding.

Does ICA have any political affiliations?

No. The ICA works for the benefit of archivists and archives across the world and without fear or favour towards any political body.

What does ICA believe in?

The ICA believes that effective records and archives management is an essential precondition for good governance, the rule of law, administrative transparency, the preservation of mankind's collective memory, and access to information by citizens.

What does ICA do?

ICA promotes the central role of record-keeping and archives in protecting the rights of individuals and states, and in supporting democracy and good governance, through working for the effective management of archives from the moment of their creation, the permanent preservation of archives as the documented memory of nations and societies, and the widest possible public access to that memory. It strives to build a better understanding across societies through fostering international co-operation, while respecting linguistic and cultural diversity.

ICA advocates the importance of archives and records management to policy makers, while providing opportunities for professional contact, information exchanges, research and education, and while taking a leadership role in developing best practices and standards which support records and archives professionals throughout the world. It is a central source of information on archives and the archival professional for society.

Who can join ICA?

Membership of ICA is open to any individual or organisation concerned with the professional care of and access to archive collections.

Is it true that ICA is intended for senior professionals working in major archival institutions?

No. What is true that senior professionals are an important element in ICA's membership. However, ICA is for all record keeping professionals regardless of their working environment or location. It is only by engaging with as many archivists and records managers as possible that the ICA can promote good record keeping practice and awareness of the value of archives to ensure their survival and use. As you will see from this website, there are also many ways in which professionals at all levels can participate in the Council's work, from being Flying reporters to advocating at the international level on behalf of the ICA.

Is ICA opened to non professionals?

Yes.

What will you find in this website?

This website not only lets you know about ICA and its activities, it's also offers dynamic communication with fellow ICA members. If you are not yet a member the website will tell you what ICA stands for, what it does, and how and why you, as a record keeping professional, should become a member. For members the website is a vital source of information and publications and a means of lively, immediate communication with fellow members. The website is also the place to find out about the ICA's current work and find out about opportunities to get involved.

Could you define ICA with three key words?

Global, focused, effective.