Role and meaning of arrangement and description in the digital environment

Archivists have been exploring the implications of digital technology on traditional archival practice for some time, and questioning assumptions underlying traditional approaches. In particular, it is not uncommon to hear that respect for original order is no longer relevant when working with digital records. Such an attitude discounts the important role original order (defined as the last order the records had when they were in active use) plays in the very nature of archives as trustworthy records. A thoughtful consideration of the traditional principle underscores its value and why archivists must maintain it. At the same time, further exploration of original order in the digital era demonstrates new ways of complementing – rather than replacing – traditional approaches. This section provides a checklist that identifies and explores some of these assumptions and opportunities. It is not intended to be comprehensive or prescriptive, but to prompt further reflection and discussion.