The Symbolic Significance of Archives
James O’Toole
Although most archival records are created to accomplish a practical, utilitarian purpose, this essay explores some of the more "symbolic" aspects recordmaking and recordkeeping. It argues that archivists should understand such issues as: mixture practical symbolic values in records; effects meaning on forms take; occasions when act is significant than record itself; ceremonial uses both reverence for hatred as objects.
American Archivist