What are recommended practices for file naming in digital archives?

Using consistent, descriptive names that convey the content or context of the files is essential in digital archives for several reasons. This practice enhances organization and makes it much easier for users to locate specific files quickly. When archives implement a meaningful naming convention, it aids in understanding the file’s purpose or relevance without requiring additional information.

For instance, a file named "2023-03-15_Meeting_Notes_Project_X" immediately informs the user of the date, the type of document, and the associated project, thereby streamlining the searching and retrieval process. Additionally, descriptive names help in maintaining context over time, especially as digital collections grow and evolve. This organization facilitates better management and improves the overall usability of digital archives, ensuring that stakeholders can efficiently access needed files.

On the other hand, practices like using random short codes or including only the date in file names may lead to confusion and hinder finding relevant documents. Avoiding naming any files altogether would create significant challenges in document identification and retrieval, rendering the archive largely ineffective. Thus, option B encapsulates the best practice for file naming in digital archives.