Archives are used to store knowledge, this can be in many formats, including paper documents, photographs, digital files, audio recordings, video recordings, and more. They make historical information accessible to the public. They serve several important functions, these being:

1. Preservation of material: Archives safeguard and protect valuable historical records so they can be accessible for generations to come. This includes different techniques to prevent deterioration, like proper storage etc.
2. Access: Archives make historical materials available to researchers, scholars, and the general public. This is typically provided through finding aids, catalogues, and, in some cases, digitization efforts that allow people to explore these resources online.
3. Research: Researchers, historians, genealogists, and students often rely on archives to access primary source materials for their studies and projects. They can contain a wealth of information, such as letters, diaries, photographs, official documents, etc.
4. Documentation of history: Archives play a crucial role in documenting the history of individuals, organizations, communities, and societies. They provide insight into the past and contribute to a better understanding of historical events and cultural heritage.

Archives may be specialized, focusing on a particular topic, period, or region. They can also vary in size, from small local collections to vast national or international archives.

Archives can take various forms, including:

Physical archives that can be found in libraries, museums, government buildings, universities, and other institutions and digital archives, as, over the past few years it has become difficult to visit archives, many archives have digitized their material for it to remain accessible.

The Société Jersiaise focuses on Jersey history and has everything about it ranging from what the Island looked like hundreds of years ago to peoples’ registration cards during the Occupation.

In summary, archives are important safeguarders of knowledge as they collect and make accessible historical records. They play a key role in advancing research, education and cultural and historical preservation.