Data Interconnectedness in Email Structures
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has a unique approach to preserving electronic emails. Instead of a centralised email preservation plan, agencies themselves manage email retention according to approved records schedules [1].
In this article, we will explore some common email file formats that fall under NARA's Digital Preservation Framework.
- Apple Mail Email Files commonly use the or formats [NF00856, NF00247].
- CC:Mail archives use proprietary formats specific to the CC:Mail system [NF00772].
- Microsoft Outlook Items include and for mail storage, and for individual email messages [NF00822, NF00280].
While detailed, authoritative format information on these specific email file types is not included in NARA's search results, technical documentation or digital archiving guidelines may provide further insights.
For authoritative information on NARA's records, including electronic mail formats, the best resource is the National Archives Catalog and NARA’s official guidance documents [5]. These resources describe their holdings in various media types, including electronic records.
It's worth noting that Lotus Notes Database also falls under NARA's Digital Preservation Framework. Versions 2, 3, 4, and unspecified versions use the file extension, and these databases fall under the Databases, Calendars, and Email categories [NF00237, NF00238, NF00239, NF00785].
In conclusion, while NARA's focus is on records management policies rather than specific file format standards, technical documentation from software vendors or digital archiving experts may be necessary for deep technical details on email file formats. For official format and preservation details related to NARA, the National Archives Catalog and electronic records guidance are recommended sources.
Data-and-cloud-computing technologies play a crucial role in managing electronic records at NARA, as agencies store emails according to their approved records schedules in cloud-based systems.
The National Archives Catalog, a comprehensive resource, offers authoritative information on various media types, including electronic mail formats, within NARA's Digital Preservation Framework.
