Archives of Humanities & Social Sciences Research
ISSN: 3065-3568 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-3568
Salvatore Spina
This paper investigates the concept of “invented archives” and its significance for the Archival Science and Historical field in the context of the digital age. These innovative archives, which are frequently thematic and unconventional, arise as a reaction to the digitization movement and the demand for accessible information, thereby challenging traditional archival principles that emphasize the connections among record creators, accumulation processes, and the preservation of documents. Additionally, the paper examines the theoretical foundations of “invented archives,” highlighting how these collections of documents are influenced by the methodologies of histoire sérielle that emerged in the 1950s, where the focus on seriality and quantitative historical analysis played a crucial role in shaping a new approach to Historiography. As digital technologies have advanced, these methodologies have transformed, resulting in documentary assemblages prioritizing adaptability and data reconfiguration rather than adhering to conventional archival structures.