Oral Sources and the New Regulation of the Schools of Archival Sciences

Abstract

This paper examines the 2021 reforms to Italy’s Schools of Archival Sciences, marking a pivotal update after more than a century. These reforms formally integrate the management of photographic, oral, and audiovisual sources into the archival curriculum, acknowledging their importance alongside traditional documents. Tracing the historical evolution of archival education, the paper highlights how these changes reflect both technological advances and increased public expectations for access and transparency. By including a specialised course for multimedia sources, the curriculum addresses the distinct preservation and interpretive challenges these formats present, given their lack of traditional document structures. An analysis of early implementations across archival schools reveals both the benefits and challenges of the new curriculum, including the demand for specialised faculty and resources. Student feedback underscores the need for unified methodologies for multimedia preservation. Ultimately, the reforms signal a crucial modernisation in archival education, equipping future archivists to manage both classic and contemporary archival resources with an adaptable, inclusive approach.