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7.1 Changing information technology is producing a radical change in the office environment. The structure of that environment is becoming more fluid in concept and is dependent upon the new information flows. Whereas in the past these information flows were to some extent based upon the physical structure, the new environment will see information flows built upon logical structures. The new information technologies as expressed through local area networks, geographic information systems and interorganizational information systems reflect the changes in the nature, creation and use of information. Archival principles must be examined in light of these changes and, if required, revised to incorporate new types of information. All information professions are examining the principles and practices on which they are based in light of these major technology changes.
7.2 The compound document will result in the regrouping of different forms of information, previously found on different physical media, into one basic form: digitized. Functions, such as processing, conservation and dissemination of archival electronic records will be affected by this digitization. Hypermedia software will influence the forms of records acquired.
7.3 The creation of data by a variety of organizations should change the concept of single provenance. These information systems overstep the traditional organizational boundaries which have influenced the principles of provenance and respect des fonds.
7.4 Archives may not be able to continue to perform functions in the way they are presently undertaken: appraisal, arrangement and description, etc.. Electronic records cannot be left to sit on shelves for years before being processed. New archival organizational structures must be created to ensure that the records can be maintained in a useable form.
7.5 Archives must participate actively in the development of an organization's information systems and automated office applications. Archivists should move from being passive receivers of documents to active participants in the design and development of information systems. Archivists have the knowledge and skills in the organization of information, as well as in the ability to select or appraise electronic records of value from both a research perspective and an historical perspective. These skills are not found elsewhere. It is vital that these skills and knowledge be included in the design and development of information systems. It is equally important that archival principles be reviewed, discussed and perhaps revised to reflect the changing nature of the organization.
7.6 Appraisal is the most vital of all archival functions. Archives should focus their resources on the appraisal of electronic records and the development of acquisition strategies. It is through the selection process that records of value are identified. Once such records are identified, then the resources can be focused on these records rather than on masses of records which may or may not be of value. More information sharing should be forthcoming as archives identify electronic records to provide the basis on which to build acquisition strategies. Many information systems span across organizational boundaries and are based upon function and subject. The records resulting from these systems must be appraised from a wider context than one organization.
7.7 Archives must support the development of international information technology standards and be active participants in the review of these standards. Through national bodies archives can provide major user requirements for the development of standards to address the problems of data exchange and application portability.