Alicja Kulecka, Spuścizny w archiwach, bibliotekach i muzeach w Polsce, w: Archeion, t. 100, wyd. NDAP, Warszawa 1999, ss. 70-96
Alicja K u l e c k a, Private papers in archives, libraries and museums in Poland. The
article discusses various problems related to fonds of private origin, created by individuals,
gathered and preserved by archives, libraries and museums in Poland. First of all, divergences
regarding terminology are considered, emphasizing different terms used to define archive
materials of this type. The use of most popular terms such as “posthumous works”, “papers”,
“records”, “personal archives” is discussed. Then, problems related to the legal status of this
group of archive materials are presented. The necessity to clarify legal issues regarding this
group is emphasized. The author also discusses methods of private records accession, including
two basic ways of acquiring them: donations and purchases. The heirs of the author of a fond
have a decisive voice as to the place of preservation of this type of archive materials. Various
centers preserving them are mentioned. The next problem discussed refers to the methods of
gathering, and accessibility principles related to private papers. As to the arrangement methods,
subject divisions were generally preferred. Directions on elaborating archive private materials
of scientists, Warsaw 1990, compiled on the basis of experience of the Archives of the Polish
Academy of Sciences, is mentioned as the only attempt aiming at the description and
standard arrangement methods used in regard to these archive materials. Problems related to
border lines of fonds, discussed in archival literature (e.g. Zygmunt Kolankowski’s output)
are also presented. Moreover, we can also find a schematic arrangement of materials as
adopted in Directions… In regard to the accessibility of materials, the author stresses the
necessity to consider the attitude of family members, friends, in general — people offering
these archive materials, apart from observing standard rules regarding official archive materials. In the
final part of the article, the author mentions that these materials refer to various areas of political, social
and cultural life, constituting a significant supplement for documents of official origin. They include
many details on the activity of individuals, reflecting processes going on in the lobby of the great
politics, cultural and social life. They illustrate the development of political, scientific and cultural
ideas, political, intellectual, cultural and social relationships. Information included in private papers,
documenting the activity of individuals, constitutesa significant element of national archival holdings.
Źródło: Archeion, t. 100
