Netherlands: archives, libraries and museums

This entry provides an overview of the development and current state of archives, libraries, and museums as institutions, and the related professions and disciplines within the Netherlands. The entry describes social and political issues affecting information institutions from the early nineteenth century through contemporary concerns and issues. An overview is provided in regard to Dutch contributions to archivistics (archival science), including the principle of provenance and the early publication of archival methodology and standards (Manual for the Arrangement and Description of Archives, 1898). Included in the entry are brief profiles of a few of the major institutions and associations, as well as a discussion of historical figures, and achievements.