umm, if the Harvard U charter got lost, would Harvard really have problems
establishing proof of legal identity etc? I suspect they have a few
photocopies available which a court might be happy with.

that's my quibble with use of the word 'vital' - a traditional list of
'vital' records usually includes organisational establishment documents,
major contracts with assorted suppliers, and so on. Mostly they get
'permanent' retention. Some are true historical artifacts and earn tourist
dollrs, even if their records significance is largely ceremonial. In any
organisation I've worked in over the last 30 years, all such documents are
easily replaced if lost, by copies which can be obtained from government
companies registries, legal advisors offices, or (assuming no litigation)
suppliers, although I admit it is embarassing to ring a supplier and ask for
a copy of your own contract.

We need to keep out thinking structured carefully here. For those of us who
don't have anything much to do with archives, historical significance has no
bearing - once a document ceases to have any business use (including
compliance), it's gone. For those charged with keeping historical material
it's quite a different situation. The analysis benefits from keeping the
distinction quite clear. And establishing proof of identity is a red
herring.

Cheers

Glenn

Glenn Sanders
Australia
0407 187 333
These views are mine alone. They may or may not be those of any
previous or present employers or clients. I don't know. If I'd asked and
they'd agreed, I would have signed it "Harry Peck and Co and Glenn".
Or whatever. But I haven't, so I didn't.

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