Archival information environment in the views of V.N. Avtokratov (1922–1992)

Abstract

The article is about the 100^th anniversary of V.N. Avtokratov (1922–1992), a prominent theorist in the field of history and archival studies. The paper reveals his views on the issue of retaining the integrity for the “archival information environment”, set forth in the monograph “Theoretical Issues of National Archival Studies” – the work that was published after his death. Researching the level of the archival information environment and also of the funding according to the principles of historical or formally logical classification, V.N. Avtokratov investigated stages in the archival studies development within the context of the scientific knowledge theory. The article touches upon discussions on the issue within the scholarly community. The analysis of V.N. Avtokratov’s theoretical provisions on the historical principle of classification in archival studies as a determining condition for ensuring the scientific use of the information resource of the Archival Fund of the Russian Federation is correlated with the scientific knowledge theory of the great Russian thinker N.Yа. Danilevsky (1822–1885). Noting the high theoretical level of V.N. Avtokratov’s creative heritage, the author draws attention to the relevance and importance of the methodological approaches by V.N. Avtokratov with regard to the development of the theory and practice of archival science in today’s changed conditions.