It is without argument that archives differ from other information sources. Using relevant examples, describe the characteristics of archives.

Authenticity and Reliability: Archival records are created in the course of an organization's or individual's daily activities, making them reliable evidence of transactions and events. For example, a company's financial ledgers serve as authentic proof of its economic history.

Uniqueness: Archives often contain original, one-of-a-kind documents that cannot be found elsewhere. A handwritten diary of a historical figure is a unique archival item, offering direct insight into their thoughts and experiences.

Interrelatedness and Context (Provenance): Archival materials are preserved in their original order, maintaining the context of their creation and use. A collection of government correspondence, for instance, reveals the administrative processes and relationships between different departments, where each document's meaning is understood in relation to others in the series.

Evidential Value: Archives serve as primary evidence of functions, activities, and decisions. A signed peace treaty provides irrefutable evidence of an agreement between nations.