The concept of record in experiential, interactive and dynamic environments: can the InterPARES project address the ultimate archival challenge?

Resumo

This paper discusses the concept of electronic record as articulated and used in the context of the InterPARES Project, a multinational and multidisciplinary research project that aims at developing the theoretical and methodological knowledge essential to the long-term preservation of authentic records created and/or maintained in digital form. This knowledge should provide the basis from which to formulate model policies, strategies and standards capable of ensuring the longevity of such material and the ability of its users to trust its authenticity. InterPARES has developed in two phases, the first of which was concerned with electronic records created and/or maintained in databases and document management systems, and the second with electronic records existing in experiential, interactive and dynamic digital systems. The paper describes the characteristics, elements, attributes and components of electronic records and, doing so, it
shows how the concept of record in the electronic environment is at the same time much more precise that in the traditional one, and in constant evolution.