Archival development in Peru: analysis of budgetary investment and human capital requirements

Abstract

The development of Peruvian archival practice throughout its history has been marked by a significant gap between the existing regulatory framework and its effective implementation within public entities. Despite the existence of the National Archives System and the governing role of the Archivo General de la Nación (AGN), structural weaknesses are evident, particularly in terms of limited financial investment, insufficient human capital, and the very low level of institutionalization of archives. Against this backdrop, this study advances an empirical pathway for understanding national archival development through the analysis of two quantifiable indicators: economic investment in the hiring of personnel for archival activities and the requirement for specialized human capital.
The study adopts an empirical-descriptive design, analyzing secondary administrative data drawn from publicly accessible information provided by the Sistema Electrónico de Contrataciones del Estado, as well as databases from the private institution Convocatorias.com, which manages information on public sector recruitment processes. The analysis covers the period 2019–2025 in Lima Metropolitana. The results indicate an increase in both economic investment and demand for archival personnel, including historically high expenditure levels. However, this growth has overwhelmingly materialized through temporary employment arrangements, primarily service-based contracts, thereby highlighting a structurally fragile model of human resource financing and management.
The study concludes that, although there is a growing operational recognition of the archival function—materialized in the increase of resources allocated to the area—this recognition remains incipient and fragile, showing limited long-term sustainability. Additionally, archival supervision is observed as a catalyst for the mobilization of resources.