What does the term "born-digital" mean in the archival context?

In the archival context, "born-digital" refers specifically to records that are created and stored in a digital format from the very beginning of their existence. This concept is crucial for archivists because it indicates that the documents did not originate in a physical format before being converted into digital form; instead, they were designed and generated as digital entities.

Born-digital materials encompass a wide variety of formats, including emails, websites, digital photographs, and databases. This distinguishes them from materials that have been digitized from physical formats, such as scanned documents or photographs. Understanding the nature of born-digital records is essential for managing their preservation, access, and the unique challenges they present, such as evolving technology and the potential for digital obsolescence. In contrast to other options, which involve either digitization of physical records, temporary files, or digital versions of analog documents, the definition of "born-digital" specifically captures the essence of records that emerge directly and solely within the digital realm.