Definition

The principle that the records of a person, family or corporate must be kept together in their original order, if it exists or has been maintained, and not be mixed or combined with the records of another individual or corporate body. 

Source: Canadian Council of Archives. Rules for Archival Description, Glossary (July 2008).

Introduction

The principle of respect des fonds guides virtually all archival functions.  Archival materials are handled in a way that separates materials of different provenance and attempts to retain any original order of the records. 

Related terms

Fonds

Provenance