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This paper defines and discusses archival representation and its role in archival practice. Archival representation refers to both the processes of arrangement and description and is viewed as a fluid, evolving, and socially constructed practice. The paper analyzes organizational and descriptive schemas, tools, and systems as a means of uncovering representational practices. In conclusion the paper argues that the term ‘archival representation’ more precisely captures the actual work of archivists in (re)ordering, interpreting, creating surrogates, and designing architectures for representational systems.