Archive of social qualitative data: needs, controversies, practical proposals

The author presents argumentation for the need to establish archive of qualitative data; controversies related to this and several practical and methodological solutions in dealing with it. Robert K. Merton's discussion on qualitative analyses in sociology indicates that such archive is much more comprehensive enterprise than development of a library collecting biographical materials, and it should fulfil functions of 'good adjusted scientific knowledge' in terms of his concept of qualitative-data-paradigms. In conclusion, recommendation is made that such a project should provide scientific information not only in the field of sociology but also in human sciences on the whole.