Records

A record is information created or received in the course of activities that is preserved because of its evidentiary, informational, or archival value.

In archival science and records management, records include documents, correspondence, forms, audio and video recordings, photographs, and digital objects that document actions and decisions. They may be produced by individuals, organizations, or governments and are managed to support accountability, compliance, and historical memory.

In information technology, a record is a data structure comprised of fields; a row in a database table. Records have a defined schema and are organized within data models and relational structures. Recordkeeping practices govern their creation, storage, access, and retention.

In sport, entertainment, and popular culture, a record denotes the best known performance or measurement in a given category. Official bodies verify and certify records; examples include world records and Olympic records. Record verification requires standard criteria and, often, independent validation.

Public records and recordkeeping laws govern what information must be kept, for how long, and who may access it. Archives preserve records for accountability, governance, history, and research. The management of records also involves issues of authenticity, privacy, and long-term accessibility, including digitization and migration strategies to combat format obsolescence.