What is encompassed by the term "archival description"?

Archival description refers specifically to the comprehensive process of documenting and explaining the context, content, and structure of archival materials. This involves creating detailed finding aids, catalogs, and other tools that provide users with essential information about the records, including how they relate to each other and their significance within a larger context.

Effective archival description is crucial for facilitating access to historical documents and ensuring that users can understand the purpose and relevance of the materials. This process may include various elements, such as metadata creation, arrangement guidelines, and narrative context that support users’ understanding of the items and their use in research or scholarship.

Cataloging the physical storage of materials primarily focuses on the logistical aspect of where materials are kept, while summarizing the history of an archive does not delve into the specifics of individual items or their interrelations. Creating visual representations of archive usage can illustrate patterns or trends but does not encompass the detailed context and structure that archival description provides. Therefore, the correct choice captures the essence of what archival description entails in the field of archives management.