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Paper short abstract

In my presentation, I will examine the materials preserved in the research archive of the University of Turku, relating to the natural environment and landscape. I will find out how the materials have been archived and what impacts it has on the reuse of the materials and the history of knowledge.

Paper long abstract

Natural environments and landscapes are important places of life and well-being for Finns. They are often present in leisure time, but also as part of work. The Archives of the School of History, Culture and Art Studies (SHCAS Archives) at the University of Turku contains a wealth of materials in which natural environments and their effects are part of narrative and life. Natural environments can serve, for example, as a working space or as a place for memories.

The SHCAS Archives is a research archive whose materials are mainly produced by researchers, university staff and students, and preserved for reuse. The history of the SHCAS archives goes back to the middle of the 20th century, when the collections began to be increase with inquiries sent to the respondent network and recordings. Today, the SHCAS Archives is a part of the researchers' information pool, the place where information is stored, and the space for learning.

In my presentation, I will examine the archive materials that are preserved in the SHCAS Archives, about the natural environment in Finland and different landscapes. What materials related to natural environments can be found in the archive? How do the archive materials describe the natural environment with their contents and metadata? How are the materials archived and what effects do archive methods have on their reuse, such as usability and discoverability? What do materials tell us about decades of research, and what do they tell us about the history of knowledge?