What are "born-digital" records?

"Born-digital" records refer to documents and files that are created and stored in a digital format from the outset, meaning they are not derived from any physical format. This distinction is crucial in records management, as it highlights the unique characteristics and preservation needs of digital records. Unlike paper documents that are scanned and digitized, born-digital records are generated using computer software or digital tools, ensuring that they inherently possess the functionalities of digital files, such as metadata and digital signatures.

Understanding the nature of born-digital records is important for effective record-keeping practices, particularly in ensuring proper documentation and management strategies that take into account their lifecycle and preservation requirements.