“Classical archival methodology focused on preserving – or recreating – the original physical structures of archives…The functional and contextual factors that had been significant in creating these physical structures and objects were often ignored, and the analysis of the archive as an expression of the creator’s social position and activities was neglected.” (As cited in Rodreck, Phiri and Kamanga n.d)

 

 

The physicality of an archive seems to be less and less of a focus as time goes on. This can be seen in the form of physical bookshops or libraries, compared to online libraries or e-books. If we look at how we store information, this can be indicative of both the collective social culture of a specific time, as well as give insight into the archivist (their thoughts, feelings, personality, education and so on). Analysing an archive as “an expression of the creator’s social position and activities” means that with the increasing use of techology for personal use, these digital devices allow archiving in a way that could be in depth enough for a stranger (or someone in the future looking back into the past) to gain personal insight into a person and their surroundings.

 

 

Rodreck, D Phiri, C and Kamanga, E n.d, Discussing the arhival discourse, Academia.edu, Accessed 4 November 2014, .