The subject of this final thesis is Archives and Archival service, in which will be processed in detail archives itself and archive material. Final thesis permeates ten basic chapters complemented by diverse list of literature sources implemented in the preparation work. The task of archives as a public administration body is to ensure protection of records of enduring importance for business and official purposes, as well as legal evidence, and on the other hand, to provide access to the archival materials, regardless of the time, place and public memory of the documented events. Archives preserve the authentic and credible track of the past events and which these records document, and at the same time protect and promote the interests and rights of citizens. Archive service is part of the public administration in all European countries and as such contributes to the care of document management within the administration and the wider information society. The archives system in Croatia consists of state archives, other heritage institutions where archives materials are kept (archives outside the state archives network) Main chapters that will be displayed in the following thesis contribute quoted ideas, statements, opinions, division and classification, suggestions and reflections of distinguished local and international artists, theorists and scientific experts, incorporated into the text by the author of the thesis.