Since the retention period reflects the informational value of the content of the record, why would a digital record be more valuable (content wise) than any other format.  

Besides, there may be a liability in keeping the record with no retention value.


A.S.Elizabeth Fairfax MA, CA
ACA Certified Archivist/Public Records Professional
Island County Archives, Records and Information Management Program
P.O. Box 5000
1 NE 7th Street
Coupeville WA 98239
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
Phone: 360-240-5569
Fax:360-240-5553






-----Original Message-----
From: Records Management Program [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Joseph Morris
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2014 11:44 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [RM] Differentiation in Retention for Physical and Electronic Files

Our firm (midsize engineering firm in the Pacific NW, US) has a flat retention policy for project files of 10 years after close of project.
 There is no differentiation for type of document, discipline, or media, hence digital and paper files bear the same retention.  Is anyone of the opinion regarding (or have direct experience with) changing a retention policy to extend the retention of electronic records and not paper files?
 These would likely, though not inclusively, be copies of the same documents, differing only in media format.

Thank You,

*Joseph Morris*
*Records Management Specialist*
*Portland, OR, US*

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