Important points
- only a small percentage of records are deemed 'essential' or 'vital'. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) estimates that only 1-7% of an agency's records are essential.
- the length of time records are retained is not an indication that they are essential records nor does a record designated as essential always remain essential.
- essential records may be in any format or medium but note that the ability to access the record is mandatory so appropriate technology must be available for retrieval if the document is not in hard copy.
- the essential record copy need not be the original of a document.
Jefferson Lab's Essential Records Liaison have been trained to identify and protect essential records for their respective areas. Your Liaison can be found here. Not all groups have a need for an essential records liaison.