Recent Topics
- I've got mold in my files
- How does the Smithsonian Institution Archives determine which records to keep and which to discard?
- How do I become an Archivist?
- Photograph stuck to glass?
- Stabilization of crumbling materials in archive of DC volunteer organization
- How do I preserve my newspaper?
- How do I preserve my collection of historic 16mm film, audiotape or videotape?
- Should I laminate an old document, like a photo or birth certificate?
- A laminated old Official document
- Why does paper yellow?
A record is any recorded information, regardless of medium or characteristics, created, received, and maintained by an organization or person. Records may be in paper, electronic, audiovisual, or photographic format. Records may be found in filing cabinets, storage rooms, computers, servers, removable media, and even on websites and in social media accounts. Collection items are not considered to be records, but documents and data about collection items are. Three-dimensional objects, artwork, exhibit panels, and signage are not generally considered to be records.