The removal of redundant or obsolete information objects from an on-line access system to an off-line storage device for safekeeping.

The act of archiving includes the creation of records which identifies the information object, the archiving event and its relevant information such as date and archiving authority, as well as the destination archive media and location. The archive system allows access to archive records and the retrieval of archived information under specified conditions.

Information objects may include electronic files, database records or physical media such as microfilm or paper.

Storage devices may include digital, analogue or physical devices such as magnetic tape, magnetic or optical disk, or filing cabinets for physical media.

See also DOCUMENT.