Abstract

Abstract This article analyzes the potential of using the concept of paratext when elaborating archival descriptions. The purpose of such descriptions is to give an overview of the content and characteristics of archival records, as they are often the first point of contact for the user. Archival descriptions, therefore, fit well into Gerard Genette's definition of paratextuality. Archivists should thus be aware of some core rhetoric and linguistic theories and models to design the text so that it communicates the relevant message to users of the records. By combining current theory and practice of archival description with the concept of paratext, this article presents some important features to assist the authors of archival descriptions.

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