Which type of records come from digital sources rather than from physical documentation?

Born-digital records are those that originate in a digital format, created and stored using electronic systems without any prior existence in a physical form. This means they are generated by digital devices and applications, such as documents created in word processors, emails, or digital media files. Their digital nature allows for easier management, retrieval, and sharing compared to records that start as physical documents and then are digitized at a later stage.

The concept of born-digital records is crucial in the context of records management, as it highlights the importance of understanding and implementing appropriate systems and policies to handle them effectively. This is particularly relevant in today's increasingly digital landscape, where the volume of digital records continues to grow.

Other types of records, such as archived, inactive, or transitional records, do not primarily emphasize their origin in a digital format. Archived records pertain to those that have been stored for future reference; inactive records refer to those that are not currently used but are retained for legal or historical purposes; and transitional records involve documents that are in the process of being moved from one state of existence to another. Therefore, these categories relate to the status or management of records rather than their digital origin.