The way you store your information affects how easily information can be found, used and managed over time.

Determining how best to store your information depends on:

• the format, either digital or physical
• security requirements
• how long information needs to be kept
• how often information will be accessed
• the value of the information compared to the cost of storage solutions

Effective, cost efficient storage allows your agency to manage your information in its appropriate format for an long as it is required.

Digital storage

For digital information a range of sophisticated technologies can be used. Electronic storage can save space and costs, but digital information may be more susceptible to inappropriate access.

Storing digital information introduces the options for electronic storage.

Cloud computing and information management explains the information management issues associated with cloud computing and lists contractual requirements for business information in the cloud.

Outsourcing digital data storage provides information on storing Commonwealth records in data centres, digital repositories and the cloud.

Physical storage

Physical information can be effectively stored by keeping it in vaults and warehouses with appropriate access, temperature and humidity controls.

Preserving information provides specific information on how to store and preserve records in various physical formats.

There is also a standard (PDF 327KB) available to help you and your agency determine best practice for storing physical records.

The National Archives charges for the storage of temporary or unevaluated records.