Libraries and Archives: A Comparative Study

This slim book has a very clear mandate, as stated by its author Tomas Lidman in the introduction: to argue that libraries and archives have very different duties and commissions, that they must work together side by side in matters of mutual importance and interest; and that they do this most efficiently as independent institutions (p. 2).

Lidman achieves this by comparing two heritage institutions: national libraries and national archives. He provides a readable and concise overview of the history, purpose and use of both institutions since pre‐historic times, explaining how and why they are fundamentally different in many areas, and conjecturing how, as independent institutions, they will need to work together in the future to address the challenges associated with storing and accessing digital records and information. The timing of this book seems particularly pertinent considering the current variety of initiatives looking at physical and/or digital convergence within cultural heritage institutions (VanderBurg, 2012).

Lidman's book fills a significant hole in the literature by comparing and contrasting national libraries and national archives. It also successfully bridges a common knowledge gap for librarians and archivists: librarians often do not understand archives and archivists often do not understand libraries. He addresses a number of common misconceptions evidenced by each institution's users and decision‐makers:

People around me – specialists, students, bureaucrats and friends – do not know the differences between the two, or have just a basic knowledge about what an archivist is. Most people have met a librarian and know something about libraries, especially public libraries, but rather few have seen an archivist or have been in an archive – however, they often have very clear and definite opinions about both the occupation and the institution they represent. Even politicians at the top level sometimes have problems in understanding the differences between the two (p. 1).

Lidman has the credentials to address these gaps in knowledge. He has researched and published widely, been involved in a number of international committees relating to library and archive management (for example, IFLA and ICA), and has been both the Director of the National Library and the National Archivist in Sweden. This unique viewpoint has given him the ability to distil “the essence” of national libraries and national archives in a way that provides a clear outline of what they do, why they do it, and why they are so different in many areas.

He does this by outlining the historical development of national libraries and archives, and explaining how these events have impacted their key functions today. He starts with a discussion of the formation of archives and libraries in “pre‐historic times”, arguing that all information from before 1000 to 500 BC is in fact archival material, and focusing on two key examples: the Archive of Ebla, Syria (destroyed 2250 BC), and the Library of Alexandria. In the next chapter he covers national libraries and archives from early modern times to 1900, focusing on the divergence of classification practices due to different ideologies (i.e. provenance vs subject‐classification), the practice of legal deposit, and the establishment of libraries and archives stemming from (mainly European‐focused) nationalism. Chapters 4 and 5 look at twentieth century libraries and archives, using earlier chapters as a base to explain differences in role, purpose and practice. The final chapter, titled “What's in store?”, focuses on the possibility of digital collaboration to aid access without compromising on the fundamental areas of difference.

Lidman keeps to his stated purpose throughout the book, emphasising fundamental areas of difference to underline his reasoning for maintaining separate institutions even when developing initiatives for collaboration. The chapters on twentieth century libraries and archives are also particularly useful in this regard, as they provide clear reasons why public libraries and public archives appear (and are) so different. For example, Lidman covers key areas of difference relating to the archival principles of provenance, confidentiality, legislation, standardisation, appraisal, and uniqueness, and the use of technology to aid access. Another example is Lidman's comparison of UNESCO's definition of libraries with the ICA's definition of archives in order to underline perceived differences in role and purpose.

Lidman draws upon an excellent range of key resources from library and archival science, as well has his own experience. The only slight downside is a Euro‐centric focus. While there are some references to American sources, there are very few from areas such as Australasia and none at all from areas such as Africa.

This book is essential reading for all students of library and archival science, as well as for anybody who is involved in decision‐making around heritage institutions such as libraries and archives. Lidman provides a much‐needed overview of national libraries and archives and their differences, all of which will inform decision‐makers that collaboration, rather than convergence, should be the way ahead.