Records continuum i arkivvetenskaplig forskning : Kontinuummodellens och kontinuumidéernas användning i 22 arkivvetenskapliga artiklar publicerade 2005 - 2018

Sammanfattning: This study examines uses of the records continuum model and related continuum concepts and ideas within the broader field of archival research. By analysing the different ways researchers understand and use the model and related concepts the study aims to contribute new knowledge regarding the records continuum model and its roles in contemporary archival science. The study is a literature review within a qualitative, interpretative paradigm. The review method shares some traits with a systematic literature review through systematicity in the search process and the procedure of selecting articles for the study. These were delimited to English written, peer reviewed, archival science articles published 2005-2018 which use the records continuum model (RCM) in their own studies. Systematicity is also present in analysis through a set of questions that seek to link the research goals within the studies with the purposes of using the RCM and the perceived value of its application. This combination of questions offers a method to get hold of some of the functions and roles of the RCM in archival science. An analysis of the research goals within the articles revealed societal as well as theoretical/methodological goals. Different uses of the RCM were further explored – by analysing motives for including the RCM and related concepts as well as the authors descriptions of their application. The identified goals and an interpretation of the ways the RCM and related ideas were used were then connected, and further interpreted with the help of a theoretical framework consisting of (1) the abilities of theoretical frameworks (according to Anfara 2008), (2) a typology of theories in Information Systems studies (according to Gregor 2006) and (3) the purposes of modelling in science (according to Hofman 2017). The results enabled a discussion on the roles of the RCM in archival research. The study is of value since it identifies the goals within some RCM research and connects these goals with the purposes of using the RCM and related ideas, which might support a continuing discussion on the roles of the RCM in archival science. The study further has a merit in providing a survey of the RCM in contemporary research through a perspective “from without”. This perspective is arrived at partly by including studies from both continuum researchers in the know, as well as from individual researchers of different proximity to continuum thinking and the RCM as a theoretical model; partly by the fact that the author is not a researcher within a community of continuum thinkers or researchers. This is a two years master’s thesis in Archival Science.