# archivalization

> selecting and preparing records for retention in an archive

**Wikidata**: [Q116879608](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116879608)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/archivalization

## Summary
Archivalization is the process of selecting and preparing records for retention in an archive. It is a specific activity within the broader practice of archiving focused on deciding which records will be kept and ready for long-term storage.

## Key Facts
- Archivalization is defined as selecting and preparing records for retention in an archive.
- Archivalization is a subclass of archiving (the practice of creating archives).
- An alternative spelling/alias is "archivization."
- Wikidata describes archivalization as "selecting and preparing records for retention in an archive."
- The Dictionary of Archives Terminology includes entries for both "archivalization" and "archivization."
- Archiving (the parent class) is noted in the source as having 5 sitelinks.

## FAQs
### Q: What exactly does archivalization involve?
A: Archivalization involves choosing which records will be kept and carrying out the preparation steps needed so those records can be retained in an archive.

### Q: How is archivalization different from archiving?
A: Archivalization is a specific subclass or component of archiving. Archiving is the overall practice of creating archives; archivalization concentrates on selection and preparation for retention.

### Q: Are there other spellings of archivalization?
A: Yes. The term is also spelled "archivization," and both forms are recorded in the Dictionary of Archives Terminology.

### Q: Where is archivalization defined in authoritative sources?
A: The term appears in Wikidata with the description "selecting and preparing records for retention in an archive" and in the Dictionary of Archives Terminology under both "archivalization" and "archivization."

## Why It Matters
Archivalization is the decision-making and preparatory step that determines which records enter an archive and in what condition. By selecting records for retention, archivalization shapes the composition, usefulness, and long-term integrity of an archive. It directly affects the resources required for storage and future access because it determines what is preserved and what is not. As a subclass of archiving, archivalization provides a focused set of activities within the broader archival practice, ensuring that retained records are properly prepared for storage and eventual retrieval. The existence of standardized terms and dictionary entries for both "archivalization" and "archivization" supports consistent use and understanding of this step across archival communities and documentation.

## Notable For
- Being explicitly defined as the act of selecting and preparing records for archive retention.
- Its classification as a subclass of archiving, linking it directly to the practice of creating archives.
- Having an alternate spelling, "archivization," recognized in authoritative terminology sources.
- Being listed in the Dictionary of Archives Terminology under both accepted forms of the term.

## Body
### Definition
- Archivalization means selecting records for retention and preparing those records for placement in an archive.
- Preparation can include whatever steps are necessary to make records ready for retention (term sourced: definition as "selecting and preparing records for retention in an archive").

### Classification
- Subclass: archiving.
- Archiving is described as the practice of creating archives.
- Archivalization is therefore a specific component or activity within that practice.

### Terminology and Aliases
- Primary term: archivalization.
- Alias: archivization.
- Both forms appear in the Dictionary of Archives Terminology.
- Wikidata description: "selecting and preparing records for retention in an archive."

### Sources and References (as supplied)
- Wikidata description entry for archivalization.
- Dictionary of Archives Terminology entries for "archivalization" and "archivization."
- Parent class information linking archivalization to archiving (sitelink_count: 5).