Integration of Sustainability Topics into Archival Studies Programmes in Brazil

Abstract

Environmental information has has been demonstrated necessary for the relationship between population quality of life and sustainable development and, therefore, should be part of the curriculum of future professionals who may become agents of actions for the equitable growth of countries through the creation and implementation of public policies. Information Science, as an interdisciplinary area, could make a great contribution to these issues that are so significant for the improvement of every day life. This study sought to understand how the integration of topics related to sustainability and environmental issues in archival science courses could contribute to the training of archival professionals and to documentary institutions. The objective was to verify the existence of environmental information and sustainability academic subjects in the archival course curriculum in Brazil. The method used was documentary analysis. As a result, we realized that among the seventeen universities that offer the course, only 29% have specific sustainability topics in their academic subjects and the contents included: the archivist's profession, public policies, preservation and heritage, and the context of political, ethical, economic and sociocultural aspects. We conclude that even understanding the need for environmental education, Archival Science courses in Brazil still need to adapt to legislation and respond to the needs of sustainable growth of the communities.