ERA

A digital preservation system developed and maintained by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to manage, store, and protect the federal government’s electronic records. It ensures that digital documents—ranging from emails and spreadsheets to multimedia files and databases—remain accessible, authentic, and secure for as long as they are needed, even as technology evolves.

Launched in the mid-2000s, ERA represents NARA’s transition from paper-based archiving to a comprehensive digital preservation infrastructure. It provides federal agencies with a secure platform for transferring permanent electronic records to NARA and for scheduling records management activities throughout their lifecycle.

ERA employs metadata standards, audit trails, and format migration processes to ensure the longevity and integrity of records regardless of file type or age. It also supports compliance with federal regulations, such as the Federal Records Act and OMB mandates, which require agencies to manage all records electronically.

By automating archival workflows and integrating with modern information systems, ERA preserves the continuity of government accountability in the digital era—ensuring that official records remain usable, trustworthy, and publicly accessible far into the future.