Archival authority

Archival authority refers to the recognized responsibility and official power held by institutions or individuals—such as archives, archivists, or governmental bodies—to manage, preserve, and provide access to records and materials deemed of historical or informational importance. It ensures that records are handled consistently, securely, and with respect to legal and ethical standards, guaranteeing their authenticity and integrity for future research and reference. Essentially, archival authority establishes trust and accountability in how records are maintained over time.