Abstract

This study aims to develop an institutional management framework to ensure the authenticity of nondigital records during digitization by establishing clear and actionable criteria. To achieve this, the concept of Significant Properties, which defines the essential characteristics of records, was introduced, and the digitization process was structured into three phases: “planning, digitization, and validation.” Based on previous case studies involving adoption, closed university, and military service records, the study redefined the Significant Properties of nondigital records as applicable criteria for digitization. In addition, an analysis of relevant institutional frameworks from overseas archival institutions was conducted to derive insights for improving Korea’s digitization framework. Moreover, in-depth interviews with five professional records managers from public institutions were carried out to examine the current limitations and the applicability of the proposed digitization management framework and procedures. The study’s significance lies in its structured approach, linking the definition of Significant Properties in the planning phase to their use as evaluation criteria in the validation phase. The proposed institutional procedure may serve as a theoretical foundation for granting digitized records an equivalent status to their originals.