Itineraries in the Historical and Institutional Construction of Archival Science as a Discipline and Profession in Colombia

Abstract

This article was based on a qualitative approach with a documentary research method and information analysis techniques. The general objective was to analyze the itineraries in the historical-institutional construction of archival science as a profession and discipline in Colombia, which took its first steps to establish itself as a fundamental work space during the Kingdom of New Granada, when there was an important peak in the organization of archives in public entities. In the 19th century, the first technical training proposals began to be identified, based on short courses, short courses and other similar training strategies. During the 1970s, academic programs in this area began to be established in important educational institutions in the country, such as the Universidad de La Salle, the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, the Universidad del Quindío, the Universidad de Antioquia, the Institución Universitaria INPAHU and, more recently, the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. In conclusion, the institutionalization of archival science as a profession and discipline in Colombia has followed an interesting process that has considered institutional aspects of archival organization practices, technical, technological and professional training and the processes of aggregation that ensure the protection and institutional valuation of the practice of these professionals as fundamental agents that guarantee access to information, the preservation and conservation of the country's documentary heritage, and transparency as a vital element in the strengthening of democracy.