Abstract

This study explores the transfer of defunct school records (by preservation period, type, and place of transfer) in South Korea since the Public Records Management Act was enacted in 1999 and suggests improvements. Metropolitan and provincial offices of education, totaling 17, were asked to disclose information about the status of defunct school records. Since 1999, 1,411 schools nationwide have closed permanently, predominantly elementary schools, followed by high then middle schools. By preservation period, there were more records in the 1 to 10-year category than in the 30-year to permanent category. By record type, most were electronic records, followed by paper records, archival objects, and audiovisual records. By place of transfer, most nonelectronic records were transferred to integrated schools, and most electronic records were transferred to the Records Management System. In-depth interviews with 10 record managers from local education offices found that the management of defunct school records varies widely by region and institution because of the lack of specified manuals. Participants also reported difficulties in transferring web-based records, archival objects, and audiovisual records, as well as insufficient archival space and computer systems. This study also provides suggestions to improve the management of defunct school records, such as establishing specified manuals, creating a dedicated government department for managing defunct school records, deploying workforces, and improving computer systems.