CONVERGENCES BETWEEN ARCHIVAL INTELLIGENCE AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT

Abstract

_{Archival Intelligence and Records Management are key topics in contemporary archival science, although they are still treated separately in the literature. While the former emphasizes knowledge, skills, and strategies related to accessing, interpreting, and using archival information, the latter focuses on the organization, control, preservation, and disposal of records. Given this scenario, the study seeks to answer the following question: What similarities between archival science and Records Management can be identified based on the work of archivists in a university setting? Thus, the aim is to analyze the points of convergence between Archival Intelligence and Records Management based on empirical evidence gathered from Brazilian federal universities. The research adopted a qualitative approach, of a descriptive-exploratory nature, using semi-structured interviews and the Critical Incident Technique with archivists working at Brazilian federal universities. The data were analyzed through triangulation between theoretical and empirical evidence. The results revealed similarities between Archival Intelligence and Records Management, particularly in the interpretation of documentary contexts, decision-making, user interaction, access to information, and addressing institutional challenges. The identified convergences highlighted the interconnection between the cognitive, mediating, ethical and operational dimensions of archival practice, synthesized in the cognitive-operational core of knowing, accessing, interpreting, and using. It is concluded that Archival Intelligence broadens the understanding of Document Management beyond its technical-operational dimension, contributing to the strengthening of archivists’ professional practice.}