Strategies for Managing Electronic Records: A New Archival Paradigm? An Affirmation of Our Archival Traditions?

Abstract

The emergence of electronic records has initiated a spirited debate on archival methodology and practice. In this article, the author summarizes the concepts and strategies proposed by archivists, on the one hand, who advocate employing traditional archival methodologies to manage electronic records, and those, on the other hand, who recommend reengineering the management process and implementing new techniques and strategies. These concepts and strategies are reviewed in the context of three archival functions: custody, appraisal, and description. In the conclusion, the author offers some suggestions on how one might begin the quest to become an informed player in electronic records management.