Page 130 - Journal of Library Science in China, Vol.47, 2021

ZHANG Bin & YIN Xin / Historical development and contemporary construction 129
of the basic theoretical system of archival science with Chinese characteristics

value of archives of folk art in China, such as conducting research on the archives of folk opera.
And fourth, further explore the cultural value of archives of China’s intangible cultural heritage,
and promote the preservation and inheritance of these archives through basic theoretical research.

3.2 Pillar theories of archival science suited to national conditions

In 2010, after investigating the development of archival science during the 11th Five Year Plan
period, FENG Huiling reached the conclusion that “the theoretical system of archival science
with Chinese style needs further development” [28] . In the development of the basic theories of
archival science in China, the principle of provenance and the theory of records’ life cycle have
not achieved much progress or breakthrough, compared with foreign countries where they serve
as the two pillar theories of archival science. HUANG Xiaoyu, a renowned scholar in the field
of foreign archival science, once said, “the whole file theory has never become the pillar in the
[29]
archival theories or even the entire discipline of archival science in China.” At the same time,
the principle of provenance and the theory of records’ life cycle were challenged against their role
in supporting the paradigm of the basic theories of archival science with Chinese characteristics.
For example, SUN Dadong pointed out that the principle of provenance and the theory of records’
life cycle could not meet the requirements as a sign of scientific maturity, and shall not be used
as the disciplinary paradigm of archival science in China. The basic theories of archival science
require the pillar theories and their paradigm to be strengthened. In the information context of the
new generation with big data, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, mobile Internet and
[30]
cloud computing as infrastructure , the basic theoretical system of archival science with Chinese
characteristics is in urgent need for contemporary construction. In the national economic and social
development and the implementation of major national strategies, it shall continue to undertake
theoretical missions, highlight theoretical achievements, and develop the principle of provenance
and the theory of records’ life cycle suited to the local conditions of China.

3.3 Digital humanities theory for cultural rejuvenation

The research objects of digital humanities include the complete historical records of humans
ranging from the prehistorical period to the present. At the end of the 1990s, digital technologies
such as visualization, geographical space display, simulation space, and network analysis of
complex systems were applied to the acquisition and utilization of cultural heritage. It is necessary
and urgent for humanities to explore the cultural value and deep meaning of cultural heritage .
[31]
Recording history is the major function of archives, and the basic theories of archival science are
important part and foundation of research on digital humanities. It is necessary to closely align the
advantages of archival science with the needs of the development of humanities, create the digital
humanities theory with Chinese characteristics oriented to the cultural rejuvenation, and actively