The problems of managing and preserving electronic records are not unique to the United States. Government archives in many countries are concerned about electronic records preservation and are experimenting with new methods and approaches.
Corporations use electronic communications to support global com merce.
Communities of scholars and professionals with members spread around the world use e-mail and global networks to communicate and exchange electronic documents. Research and development projects in Canada, Europe, Australia, and elsewhere are contributing to global solutions. For example, In Australia, representatives of the national and state archives, professional associations, public sector orga nizations, large private companies, and the academic community met to discuss a common framework for electronic recordkeeping. The workshop engaged experts in law, information system design, and archives in discussions of legal acceptance of electronic records, authenticity, and long-term maintenance of electronic records. The results of the project will guide policy and information systems development in public and private sector organizations.