ARM3703
Assignment 2
Semester 2
2025
, Organising archives
Semester 2/2025
Question 1: Levels of Control in Archival Arrangement and Description
Introduction
In archival science, the arrangement and description of records are guided by
internationally recognised standards that promote consistency, accessibility, and long-
term preservation. A key principle underpinning these standards is the concept of levels
of control, which are hierarchical layers applied when organising archival collections.
These levels help archivists structure records in a logical manner while retaining their
provenance and original order (International Council on Archives [ICA], 2000). The
scenario presented a regional heritage organisation that has received a collection of
cultural and social records, including club records, societies’ documents, and event
posters illustrates the importance of applying these levels systematically. This essay
identifies the five levels of control, explains their significance, and applies each to the
described collection, thereby demonstrating how arrangement and description create
both intellectual and physical control over archival materials.
The Five Levels of Control
1. Fonds (Collection) Level
The highest level of archival control is the fonds, which represents the whole of the
records created, accumulated, and maintained by an individual, family, or organisation
(Millar, 2017). The principle of provenance is central here; the records must remain
grouped according to their creator.
• Significance: At this level, the archivist establishes intellectual control over the
entire community collection, ensuring its identity as a unique body of records. It
prevents fragmentation of the records and maintains their contextual integrity.
Assignment 2
Semester 2
2025
, Organising archives
Semester 2/2025
Question 1: Levels of Control in Archival Arrangement and Description
Introduction
In archival science, the arrangement and description of records are guided by
internationally recognised standards that promote consistency, accessibility, and long-
term preservation. A key principle underpinning these standards is the concept of levels
of control, which are hierarchical layers applied when organising archival collections.
These levels help archivists structure records in a logical manner while retaining their
provenance and original order (International Council on Archives [ICA], 2000). The
scenario presented a regional heritage organisation that has received a collection of
cultural and social records, including club records, societies’ documents, and event
posters illustrates the importance of applying these levels systematically. This essay
identifies the five levels of control, explains their significance, and applies each to the
described collection, thereby demonstrating how arrangement and description create
both intellectual and physical control over archival materials.
The Five Levels of Control
1. Fonds (Collection) Level
The highest level of archival control is the fonds, which represents the whole of the
records created, accumulated, and maintained by an individual, family, or organisation
(Millar, 2017). The principle of provenance is central here; the records must remain
grouped according to their creator.
• Significance: At this level, the archivist establishes intellectual control over the
entire community collection, ensuring its identity as a unique body of records. It
prevents fragmentation of the records and maintains their contextual integrity.
