Abstract

This essay focuses on the reasons why the relationship between archives and institutions – which is one of the central topics of Guido Melis’ book – La storia delle istituzioni. Una chiave di lettura (The History of Institutions. An interpretation) – represented one of the fundamental principles of 20 th -century archival theory. It underlines how the dialogue and collaboration between archivists and historians of institutions continue to be decisive for understanding the radical transformations brought about by the advent of digital and network technology in the production and organization of archives.