Phase One

During the initial phase, project staff are focused on discovery tasks, including identification of business processes and scope of electronic record use, as well as on drafting guidance for the depositors of the project archives. Discovery tasks will focus on determining the scope of electronic records use within the depositor organizations and analyzing the information technology (IT) infrastructures in which the depositors' electronic records depend. Email records are a primary focus because they, by their very nature, draw in a variety of other data formats used by a given depositor. These other data formats must also be addressed in order to ensure the authenticity and integrity of these records.

Based on the results of the discovery, specific depositors have been asked to participate in the following phases, the more detailed parts of the project. Guidance on the proper handling of e-mail records will be drafted for later consideration by the selected depositors. Also during this phase, preparation of the business case will begin and technical system requirements will be developed.

Phase Two

Detailed record surveys of selected units will be conducted during this phase and subsequently records disposition schedules and transfer guidelines will be drafted. Development of technical system requirements will continue. Preliminary tests of the transfer processes will be conducted. The business case and project management plans will be refined. A proposal for a technical solution(s) will be submitted to the steering committee.

Phase Three

Final determinations on policies and procedures for Master and Use copies of digital record accessions will be made. Finding aids created for the record transfers received in Phase Two will be posted to the project web site according to any restrictions designated by the record depositors. A technical, automated system will be acquired, configured, and tested. The results of this project will be shared with the archival community through a symposium or conference.