An archive is a place where media of any kind are stored and organized with the primary goal of keeping them for possible reference. Unlike a library it is not designed for heavy usage, although it may be available for researchers. The distinction between a library and an archive may blur in many cases, but in general the materials in a library are stored for immediate accessibility (e.g. with aisles between all shelves).

Preservation for possible reference determines the primary purpose. Organizing the media allows later consultation without making frequent immediate use the governing arrangement.

Researcher access is compatible with archival storage. A library is generally arranged around more immediate use of its collection, although a particular institution can contain both kinds of space.