Vital Records Management Guidelines

This guide outlines the management of vital records at the University of Edinburgh. It begins by defining vital records as the information necessary for the core functions of the institution, which may include teaching, research, and administration. The document categorizes records into vital, important, useful, and non-essential, emphasizing the significance of identifying which records are crucial for operational continuity. It details the types of records that fall into each category, such as legal documents, staff contracts, and research information. The guide also addresses the protection of vital records against various threats, including loss and environmental damage, and suggests methods for mitigating these risks. Furthermore, it discusses the ongoing process of cataloguing vital records, including the information that should be maintained about each record. The document concludes with recommendations for establishing procedures to ensure the effective management and protection of vital records.