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New Jersey Administrative Code Title 15 Department of State
Chapter 3 Records Retention
Subchapter 4. Image Processing of Public Records

Proposed: June 2, 2003 at 35 N.J. R. No. 2437(a)
Adopted: August 8, 2003 by Regena L. Thomas, Secretary of State
Filed: August 8, 2003
Authority: P.L. 1920, c.46 (N.J.S. 47:2-3 et seq.), P.L. 1953, c.410 (N.J.S. 47:3-26 et al.), and P.L. 1994, c.140 (N.J.S. 47:3- 26 as amended)
Effective Date: September 2, 2003
Expiration Date: September 2, 2008

Contents

15:3-4.1: Purpose

(a) Standards, procedures and rules for image processing of public records
(b) Amendment of existing Public Laws
(c) Replacement of records with image processed copies
(d) Preservation, integrity, and accessibility of public records

15:3-4.2: Definitions

15:3-4.3: Image processing systems

(a) Planning and Procurement
(b) Life expectancy rating of any optical media
(c) Backup and Migration
(d) Preference for WORM
(e) Volume and file structure preference
(f) Indexing preference
(g) Open system standards
(h) Open systems environment
(I) Preference for COTS
(j) Open system architecture at API level
(k) Nonproprietary image files
(l) Quality assurance capacity
(m) Legibility and readability comparable to the original image
(n) Optical disk storage systems maintenance
(o) Recommended resource for planning and implementation

15:3-4.4: System administration

(a) Procedures for administering imaging systems
(b) Documentation of the use and administration of all imaging systems
(c) Schedule of all backups
(d) Documented disaster recovery plans and procedures
(e) Record storage rules
(f) Refreshing of optical disks and associated indexes
(g) Imaging system reporting requirements
(h) Multiple image processing systems

15:3-4.5: Image storage and retrieval

(a) Standard file formats and compression methods
(b) Open system standard architecture
(c) Preference for SQL
(d) Workflow and file folder processing software requirements

15:3-4.6: Scanners and scanning

(a) Direct reproductions of scanned documents
(b) Visual quality control for each and every scanned image
(c) Scanner quality
(d) Standard resolution target
(e) Scanning density
(f) Scanning density exceptions
(g) Compression techniques
(h) Legacy scanning

15:3-4.7: Operation and management of image processing systems

(a) Operational environment
(b) Complete and accurate indexes
(c) Labeling
(d) System documentation
(e) Review and approval image processing systems
(f) Provision of training for planning, implementation, and maintenance of image processing systems.

15:3-4.8: Security

(a) Security subsystem, procedures for system administration, and file access
(b) Non-altering of record
(c) Prevention of unauthorized usage of image processing system
(d) Corrections or additions to records
(e) Court-ordered expungement
(f) Documentation of security

15:3-4.9: Public access

(a) Image processing systems shall not limit or hinder public access
(b) The right of the public to inspect and copy

Additional Subchapters

15:2-1: General Provisions
15:2-2: Records Retention
15:3-3: Standards for Microfilming of Public Records
15:3-5:
Certification of Image Processing Systems
15:3-6: Storage of Public Records

Summary history of N.J.A.C. 15:3

Complete text of N.J.A.C. 15:3 in PDF format [767kb]

15:3-4.1: Purpose


(a) Standards, procedures and rules for image processing of public records. As promulgated by the Division of Archives and Records Management in the Department of State, with the approval of the State Records Committee as established pursuant to P.L. 1953, c.410 (N.J.S. 47:3-20), this subchapter sets forth the "standards, procedures and rules for image processing of public records for the preservation, examination and use of such records, including indexing and arrangement thereof," as required by P.L. 1953, c.410 (N.J.S. 47:3-26) as amended, and P.L. 1994, c.140 (N.J.S. 47:1-12).

(b) Amendment of existing Public Laws. P.L. 1994, c.140 amends Section 12 of P.L. 1953, c.410 (N.J.S. 47:3-26) and other sections of the New Jersey Statutes to allow the use of image processing systems for keeping public records under the standards, procedures and guidelines established by the Division of Archives and Records Management in the Department of State, with the approval of the State Records Committee.

(c) Replacement of records with image processed copies. P.L. 1994, c.140 provides for the replacement of paper records and records on other media with copies of the records in image processing systems, and for the disposal of the original records with the approval of the State Records Committee under certain conditions. The conditions for disposal of original records include conformance with established standards for image processing systems, and any related record retention schedules approved by the State Records Committee, and that disposal is not contrary to other State or Federal statutes or regulations.

(d) Preservation, integrity, and accessibility of public records. The intent of P.L. 1994, c.140 is to ensure the preservation, integrity, and accessibility of public records in image processing systems by the establishment of standards, procedures and guidelines. Furthermore, P.L. 1994, c.140 provides that as long as these standards, procedures and guidelines are followed, image processed documents can be used in evidence in any court or proceeding in New Jersey with the same force and effect as the original public record.

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15:3-4.2: Definitions


The words and terms used in this subchapter shall have the standard meaning as established in Technological Report for Information and Image Management-- Glossary of Imaging Technology (ANSI/AIIM TR2-1992, as amended and supplemented, incorporated herein by reference) and in Glossary of Records Management Terms--A Guideline (ARMA A4542, as amended and supplemented, incorporated herein by reference), except as otherwise defined in State statutes, including:

"Agency" or "agencies" means any board, body, department, commission, or office of an official of the State, or any political subdivision thereof, or any public board, body, commission or authority created pursuant to law.

"AIIM" means the Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM), a standards-setting body affiliated with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which is the principal developer of standards for microforms and information storage technologies involving images, such as optical disks and scanners. The address of the Association for the purpose of ordering publications is as follows:

Association for Information and Image Management
AIIM Publication Sales
1100 Wayne Ave., Suite 1100
Silver Spring, MD 20910-5603
Telephone: (301) 587-8202
Fax: (301) 587-2711

"ANSI" means the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private national standards organization in the United States, which coordinates the development and maintenance of various industry standards. ANSI serves as the United States representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The Institute's address is as follows:

American National Standards Institute
11 West 42nd St., 13th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Telephone: (212) 642-4900
Fax: (212) 302-1286 (orders only)

"ARMA" means the Association of Records Managers and Administrators International (ARMA), which is the principal records and information management association in the United States and Canada, and one of the organizations accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop records management standards. The Association's address is as follows:

Association of Records Managers and Administrators International
4200 Somerset Dr., Suite 215
Prairie Village, KS 66208
Telephone: (800) 422-2762
Fax: (913) 341-3742

"CCITT" means the Consultative Committee for International Telegraphy and Telephony (CCITT), a constituent of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which is an international organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, within which governments and the private sector coordinate global telecommunications networks and services. Founded in Paris in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, the International Telecommunications Union took its present name in 1934 and became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1947. Under the reorganization of the ITU in 1992, the CCITT was consolidated with the Telecommunications Standardization Sector (ITU-T) of the agency. The Committee's address for the purpose of ordering publications is as follows:

Sales Services
International Telecommunications Union
Place des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 730 641 (English)

"Division of Archives and Records Management" or "Division" means the Division of Archives and Records Management in the Department of State established pursuant to the Governor's Reorganization Plan filed April 29, 1983; furthermore, pursuant to P.L. 1994, c.140 (N.J.S. 47:1-75), whenever in any law, rule, regulation, order contract, document, judicial or administrative proceeding, reference is made to the "Public Records Office," "Bureau," or "Bureau of Archives and History" in the Department of Education, or the administrator thereof, the same shall be considered to mean and refer to the Division of Archives and Records Management in the Department of State.

"DoD" means the Department of Defense, a cabinet-level agency of the United States government, which establishes standards for the Department's functional community for use in automated information systems. The Department's address for the purpose of ordering publications is as follows:

Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)
8725 John J. Kingman Rd., Suite 0944
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6218
Telephone: (800) 225-3842

"IEEE" means the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the world's largest technical professional organization, which establishes standards in the fields of electrical, electronics and computer engineering. The Institute's address for the purpose of ordering publications is as follows:

IEEE Computer Society Press
Customer Service Center
10662 Los Vaqueros Circle
P.O. Box 3014
Los Alamitos, CA 90720-1314
Telephone: (800) CS-BOOKS
Fax: (714) 821-4641

"Image processing" means, in general, the computer-related discipline wherein analog or digital images are the main data object, or the manipulation and control of data representing two-dimensional images, including raster images generated by scanning and raster conversions of electronic data created in other formats, vector-based data from computer-aided design (CAD) and other illustration systems, and digital images from digital, video and other camera systems; or, specifically, the creation, preparation, capture, recording, indexing, storage, retrieval, reproduction, control, use and management of direct representations or images of documents using these techniques.

"Imaging" means the production of representations of two-dimensional images of documents or other objects from digitally generated data or scanners and other means of data capture, or the recording of such images on microforms, videotape, optical disk or other data storage media.

"ISO" means the International Organization for Standardization, which coordinates national standards bodies worldwide. The Organization's address is as follows:

International Organization for Standardization
Central Secretariat
1 rue de Varembre
Case postale 56
CH-1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Telephone: 41 22 749 01 11
Fax: 41 22 733 34 30

"Long-term record" or "long-term records" means a record or series of records required by a Federal or State statute or regulation, or by a retention schedule approved by the State Records Committee per P.L. 1953, c.410 (N.J.S. 47:3-20 et seq.), to be retained by the originating agency for 10 or more years after creation, filing, or completion.

"NISO" means the National Information Standards Organization, which is the principal United States organization for the development of library, archival and information management standards. Its members include the Society of American Archivists (SAA), National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), American Library Association (ALA), and the Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM). The Organization's address for the purpose of ordering publications is as follows:

NISO Press Fulfillment
P.O. Box 338
National Information Standards Organization
Oxon Hill, MD 20750-0338
Telephone: (800) 282-NISO (282-6476)
Fax: (301) 567-9553

"NIST" means the National Institute of Standards and Technology, formerly known as the National Bureau of Standards, the principal standards agency within the United States government. NIST oversees the development of Federal information processing standards and conducts related studies for other Federal agencies. The Institute's address for the purpose of ordering publications is as follows:

National Institute of Standards and Technology
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
U.S. Department of Commerce
Springfield, VA 22161
Telephone: (703) 487-4650

"Open system" means a system that implements sufficient open specifications for interfaces, services, and supporting formats to enable properly engineered image processing applications that can be ported with minimal changes across a wide range of systems, can interoperate with other applications on local and remote systems, and can interact with users in a style that facilitates access and maintenance of public records on such systems.

"Open systems environment" means the comprehensive set of interfaces, services, and supporting formats, plus user aspects for portability or interoperability of applications, data, or users, as specified in information technology standards and profiles referenced in this subchapter.

"OSF" means the Open Systems Foundation, which hosts industry-wide, collaborative software research and development for the distributed computing environment. Founded in 1988, OSF joined with X/Open Company Ltd. (X/Open) to form the Open Group in February 1996 to work together to deliver technology and wide-s-scale adoption of open systems specifications. The Foundation's address is as follows:

Open Systems Foundation
11 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
Telephone: (617) 621-8700
Fax: (617) 621-8781

"Public record" or "records" means any and all public records as defined in P.L. 1953, c.410 (N.J.S. 47:3-16) as amended.

"Resolution" means digital resolution as defined in Technological Report for Information and Image Management--Resolution as It Relates to Photographic and Electronic Imaging (ANSI/AIIM TR26, as amended and supplemented, incorporated herein by reference).

"SAA" means the Society of American Archivist (SAA), the oldest and largest organization for archives and archivists in North America. The association establishes standards and guidelines for the identification, preservation and use of records of historical value. The Society's address is as follows:

Society of American Archivists
600 S. Federal, Suite 504
Chicago, IL 60605
Telephone: (312) 922-0140
Fax: (312) 347-1452

"State Records Committee" or "Committee" means the State Records Committee established pursuant to P.L. 1953, c.410 (N.J.S. 47:3-20).

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15:3-4.3: Image Processing Systems


(a) Planning and Procurement. State and local government agencies planning and procuring automated image processing systems intended to supplement or replace paper recordkeeping systems shall use the guidelines set forth in Technical Report for Information and Image Management--Electronic Imaging Request for Proposal (RFP) Guidelines (ANSI/AIIM TR27-1991, as amended and supplemented, incorporated herein by reference), for any preliminary system definition, feasibility assessment, procurement specifications, request for proposal (RFP), or formal monitoring of systems, insofar as they do not conflict with rules promulgated by the State Records Committee, or procurement procedures established by their State or local government.

(b) Life expectancy rating of any optical media. The life expectancy rating of any optical media employed by any image processing system used for keeping of records shall correspond to the retention period of the records, unless otherwise approved by the State Records Committee under procedures established according to the provisions of N.J.A.C. 15:3- 4.7(e).

1. The life expectancy rating of any optical media shall be demonstrated according to criteria established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Development of a Testing Methodology to Predict Optical Disk Life Expectancy Values (NIST Special Publication 500-200).

2. Vendors' claims for life expectancy shall be accompanied by detailed specifications of the test parameters.

(c) Backup and Migration. Any image processing system used to create, store or maintain public records designated for long-term or permanent retention by retention schedules approved by the State Records Committee shall produce backup copies of such records on paper that meet the standards set forth in Permanence of Paper for Printed Publications and Documents in Libraries and Archives (NISO Z39.48-1992, as amended and supplemented, incorporated herein by reference); produce backup copies of such records on microfilm which meets the standards set forth in N.J.A.C. 15:3-3.6; or provide for a completely and clearly documented, demonstrated and tested path to migrate data to other media. Any proposed data migration routine or facility shall be tested for viability on a periodic basis or following any changes to the configuration of the system according to procedures established under the provisions of N.J.A.C. 15:3-4.7.

1. Otherwise, retention and storage of the original records is required.

2. Such records and backup copies shall be stored and maintained in accordance with N.J.A.C. 15:3-6, Storage of Public Records.

(d) Preference for WORM. Preference shall be given to image processing systems employing WORM (Write-Once-Read-Many) non-erasable optical disks for recordkeeping systems which include records with long-term or permanent retention schedules, since WORM optical disks permit images and associated information to be recorded but not erased from the disk, and images on WORM disks can be reviewed, if necessary, for evidentiary purposes to prove that images have not been erased or altered in any way.

(e) Volume and file structure preference. Whenever applicable and appropriate, preference shall be given to systems which support:

1. The standard volume and file structure for WORM and rewritable media as set forth in Volume and File Structure of Write-Once and Rewritable Optical Disks Using Non-Sequential Recording for Information Interchange--Universal Disk Format (ISO/IEC 13346, as amended and supplemented, incorporated herein by reference);

2. The standard media and operating system independent volume and file structure for CD-ROM and WORM applications as set forth in Volume and File Structure of Read-Only and Write-Once Compact Disk Media for Information Interchange (ISO 13490, as amended and supplemented, incorporated herein by reference); or

3. The standard software-related volume and file structure for use on CD-ROM optical media as set forth in Volume and File Structure of CD-ROM for Information Interchange (ANSI/NISO/ISO 9660, as amended and supplemented, incorporated herein by reference).

(f) Indexing preference. Preference shall be given to those image processing systems which physically store the index entries related to an image, including the creation or scanning date, with the image.

1. Electronic date-stamping of imaged records, in addition to being useful for indexing purposes, shall be used to certify and authenticate the images for legal purposes.

2. If an imaging system creates and maintains external indexes, documented policies and procedures shall be established for backup and refreshing of such external indexes stored on magnetic or other media.

3. Documented policies and procedures shall be established to ensure the migration of all indexes, along with the associated images, to other systems or other media.

(g) Open system standards. Image processing systems used for keeping public records shall conform to a standard architectural framework for open systems standards, such as the Technical Architectural Framework for Information Management (TAFIM) published by the United States Department of Defense (DoD), the IEEE Guide to Open Systems published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), or the X/Open Architectural Framework published by the X/Open Users Council of the Open Software Foundation (OSF), or their equivalent, whenever possible.

(h) Open systems environment. Image processing systems shall implement an open systems environment, including a comprehensive set of interfaces, services, and supporting formats, plus user aspects for portability and interoperability of applications, data or users, as specified by the information technology standards and profiles cited in this subchapter.

(I) Preference for COTS. Preference shall be given to standard turn-key imaging systems and systems implemented in a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) manner.

1. Customization of image processing systems shall be implemented only as necessary and appropriate.

2. Any customization or changes in configuration of an image processing system shall be completely and thoroughly documented.

(j) Open system architecture at API level. Application development software shall be based on the open systems model defined in N.J.A.C. 15:3-4.2 and (g) above, which allow for migration and portability of all application coding.

1. Application development software shall incorporate a full set of Application Program Interfaces (API). Application development efforts shall rely on API to the maximum extent practical.

2. Software customization implemented through any means other than API shall be discouraged, unless there is extraordinary and demonstrable justification for utilizing alternate software development approaches.

(k) Nonproprietary image files. Non-proprietary image file header labels shall be used by the image processing system, or the system developer shall provide a detailed definition of the image file header label structure by the image processing system. If a proprietary image header label is used, the system developer shall provide a completely and clearly documented, demonstrated and tested bridge to a non- proprietary image file header label.

(l) Quality assurance capacity. The system hardware and/or software shall provide a quality assurance capacity to verify that information is written to the optical media.

(m) Legibility and readability comparable to the original image. All images reproduced by image processing systems shall exhibit a degree of legibility and readability comparable to the original image. The legibility of any such image displayed on a monitor or reproduced on paper shall be equivalent to resolution standards established under N.J.A.C. 15:3-4.6. Monitors and printers utilized by imaging systems shall have the ability to meet such standards.

(n) Optical disk storage systems maintenance. Public agencies shall ensure that optical disk storage systems receive periodic maintenance, inspection, and testing, as established under procedures in N.J.A.C. 15:3-4.7(e).

(o) Recommended resource for planning and implementation. Unless otherwise specified in rules promulgated by the State Records Committee, Technical Report for Information and Image Management--The Use of Optical Disks for Public Records (ANSI/AIIM TR25-1995, as amended and supplemented, incorporated herein by reference) is recommended as guidance for system planning, implementation and operation of imaging systems for public records.

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15:3-4.4: System Administration


(a) Procedures for administering imaging systems. Procedures for administering imaging systems, as established under procedures in N.J.A.C. 15:3-4.7(e), shall include, provision for journaling, logging, backup, and recovery of system components.

(b) Documentation of the use and administration of all imaging systems. Documentation of the use and administration of all imaging systems during the normal course of operation of an agency shall be created and maintained in order to ensure the legal integrity of the system.

(c) Schedule of all backups. A schedule of incremental and complete backups of the system, including optical media and any indexes on magnetic media, shall be established and adhered to strictly, according to procedures established in N.J.A.C. 15:3- 4.7(e).

1. A regular schedule of backups shall be instituted and performed for all information on the system, including indexes.

2. Backups shall be periodically tested for restoring lost data or reestablishing the system after a system failure.

(d) Documented disaster recovery plans and procedures. Documented disaster recovery plans and procedures shall be established for all image processing systems used for keeping public records. Disaster recovery plans and procedures shall be reviewed and updated at least annually.

(e) Record storage rules. Security copies of public records on optical disks or other media shall be stored in secure and suitable facilities according to record storage rules promulgated by the State Records Committee.

(f) Refreshing of optical disks and associated indexes. Appropriate schedules for refreshing optical disks and associated indexes shall be established and strictly adhered to whenever it is determined to be necessary for continued preservation of optical and magnetic media.

1. Byte error rates (BER) shall be reviewed periodically to evaluate deteriorating data on optical disks.

2. Imaging systems shall be capable of detecting and correcting errors automatically. Optical disks shall be refreshed while the information can still be corrected, to avoid losing the ability to read them.

(g) Imaging system reporting requirements. Imaging systems shall produce a standard set of reports for capacity, monitoring, maintenance, auditing, security, and system operations management. Systems shall also be capable of creating and producing customized management reports.

(h) Multiple image processing systems. An agency may use more than one image processing system.

1. If an agency uses more than one imaging system, each system must meet all the requirements for imaging processing systems established in this subchapter.

2. If an agency ceases to maintain the hardware and software necessary to satisfy the conditions of the standards, procedures and rules, imaged records that are contained in the system shall be deemed destroyed by the agency unless the existing imaged records are converted to a format compatible with a compliant imaging system that the agency implements or continues to maintain.

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15:3-4.5: Image Storage and Retrieval


(a) Standard file formats and compression methods. Any image processing system used for public records shall support standard file formats and compression methods and allow for the interchange of documents with other systems. Recommended standards include Tagged Image File Format (TIFF), CCITT Group III and/or IV, and Open Document Architecture/Open Document Interchange Format (ODA/ODIF). Image processing systems shall include CCITT Group III and/or IV electronic facsimile (fax) capabilities and standard file formats, incorporated herein by reference, or the system developer shall provide completely documented and tested procedures and techniques for the conversion of images and data in compliance with these standards.

(b) Open system standard architecture. Image processing systems shall meet an established open system standard architecture, as set forth in N.J.A.C. 15:3-4.3(g), and shall run on standard hardware, operating systems, and networking systems.

(c) Preference for SQL. Preference shall be given to systems built with relational database technology using Structured Query Language (SQL).

(d) Workflow and file folder processing software requirements. Workflow and file folder processing software shall be written in standard, portable programming languages.

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15:3-4.6: Scanners and scanning


(a) Direct reproductions of scanned documents. An image processing system used for keeping public records shall record direct reproductions of scanned documents.

1. Imaging systems shall not be capable of altering a public record as scanned, except for standard computer-enhancement routines used to improve the legibility of scanned documents. Editing of recorded text or characters by an image processing system used for keeping public records shall not be permitted.

2. Documentation of such manual or automatic computer-enhancement processes and procedures used while scanning documents shall be thoroughly documented for proof of authenticity of the records maintained on the imaging system.

(b) Visual quality control for each and every scanned image. A visual quality control evaluation shall be performed for each and every scanned image and related index data as images are scanned and/or before they are permanently recorded onto optical or magnetic media.

(c) Scanner quality. Scanner quality shall be evaluated on the basis of the standard procedures contained in American National Standard for Information and Image Management-- Recommended Practice for Quality Control of Image Scanners (ANSI/AIIM MS44- 1988, as amended and supplemented, incorporated herein by reference).

(d) Standard resolution target. The AIIM standard resolution target, AIIM Scanner Target (AIIM X441), RIT Process Ink Gamut Chart (AIIM X443) for use with ANSI/AIIM standard ANSI/AIIM MS44, as amended and supplemented, and/or the ITU-T Standard Image Set (CD-ROM) for Use with National Communication System Information Bulletin 93-45 (AIIM X501), all incorporated herein by reference, shall be used whenever applicable, to test resolution and quality control for operation of scanners.

(e) Scanning density. The appropriate scanning density shall be determined and used for all scanning of public records. Minimum scanning densities for public records shall be as follows:

1. A scanning density with a minimum of 200 dots per inch (dpi) or more is required for scanning bitonal documents containing text or numerals no smaller than six point type.

2. A scanning density with a minimum of 300 dots per inch (dpi) is required for bitonal engineering drawings, maps, and other documents with background detail.

(f) Scanning density exceptions. The minimum scanning densities cited in (e) above may not be adequate in all cases. Appropriate scanning density and techniques may differ from document to document due to the attributes of individual documents, purpose of scanning, and the characteristics and limitations of scanning equipment.

1. The scanning density for documents shall be selected and validated using tests on samples of the actual documents to be scanned before scanning is begun, and shall be tested periodically thereafter according to procedures established under N.J.A.C. 15:3-4.7(e) below. Testing and review procedures shall include the comparison of selected recorded images against the original documents after the documents are scanned and recorded, to ensure that records are adequately reproduced and recorded.

2. Higher densities and/or alternative scanning techniques, such as using a selected standard grayscale scanning routine, may be required for adequate reproduction of some documents.

3. Higher resolutions shall be required for computer-aided design (CAD) drawings, where further manipulation or integration and precise measurements are needed.

4. Because some scanners may not capture the full color spectrum and lose significant detail when scanning a document containing certain colors, scanner capabilities shall be reviewed and tested on samples of the actual records to be scanned.

(g) Compression techniques. CCITT Group III and/or Group IV compression techniques, incorporated herein by reference, shall be used for scanning documents without continuous tonal qualities. If the use of proprietary compression techniques is required by an image processing system, the system developer shall provide a completely documented and tested gateway to CCITT Group III and/or Group IV compliant data transmission capabilities, incorporated herein by reference.

(h) Legacy scanning. If legacy records, backfiles, or batch files of documents are scanned, rules promulgated by the State Records Committee for processing and scanning such records shall be followed, including certification and reporting procedures required by rule by the Bureau of Micrographics and Alternate Records Storage of the Division of Archives and Records Management.

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15:3-4.7: Operation and management of image processing systems


(a) Operational environment. Optical disk systems shall not be operated in environments with high levels of airborne particles or without adequate temperature and humidity controls, according to rules promulgated by the State Records Committee.

(b) Complete and accurate indexes. Complete and accurate indexes are essential when records are stored on optical media.

1. Image processing systems shall include an indexing system and procedures for adequate indexing that permit rapid identification and retrieval for viewing or reproducing of all related records maintained in the systems.

2. The requirement to maintain an indexing system shall be met if an indexing system is functionally comparable to a reasonable hardcopy indexing system which is consistent with statutory requirements.

3. Operational procedures shall include a check of indexing accuracy at the time the indexes are created and periodic testing thereafter under procedures established in (e) below.

4. Preference shall be given to systems which incorporate indexes or other retrieval information directly on the optical disk.

5. Backup, refreshing, and data migration procedures must ensure the preservation of all indexing associated with records in the image processing system, and the continued ability to identify, retrieve, and reproduce all relevant documents.

(c) Labeling. Particular care shall be given to labeling all optical disks, magnetic tapes and other storage containers, especially when the disk or tape containing their corollary indexes is stored on separate media. Standard practices shall be encouraged for labeling optical disks and cartridges, as set forth in Technical Report for Information and Image Management--Recommendations for the Identifying Information to be Placed on Write-Once-Read-Many (WORM) and Rewritable Optical Disk (OD) Cartridge Label(s) and Optical Disk Cartridge Packing/Shipping Containers (ANSI/AIIM TR21-1991, as amended and supplemented, incorporated herein by reference).

(d) System documentation. All aspects of the design and use of the image processing systems shall be documented. Documentation on an image processing system shall include:

1. Administrative procedures for imaging, storage, and retrieval of records;

2. Technical specifications for all the components of the system;

3. Problems encountered in the operation of the system and measures taken to address such problems; and

4. Any and all hardware and software modifications made to the system.

(e) Review and approval image processing systems. Per P.L. 1994, c.140, the Division of Archives and Records Management, with the approval of the State Records Committee, is required to review and approve image processing systems.

1. The Division shall conduct an annual review of agencies employing image processing systems for keeping public records, which will include a review of systems maintenance, operation and administration; backup, disaster recovery and data migration procedures; and compliance with other rules for image processing promulgated by the State Records Committee.

2. Each agency employing image processing systems for keeping public records shall report any changes or addition to their system, annually, on the anniversary date of the original certification of their imaging system, or no later than 23 working days, excluding State holidays, following that date. Failure to make such an annual report may result, upon action of the State Records Committee, loss of certification of said system.

3. An agency shall submit an annual report to the Chief of the Bureau of Records Management as specified in N.J.A.C. 15:3-5.6.

4. The Division shall, based on this report and any other supplementary information it may require, issue a certificate to the agency stating whether or not the image processing system complies or continues to comply with applicable rules.

5. If the Division determines that an image processing system fails to comply with applicable rules, it shall state in writing to the agency how the system and operational procedures are not in compliance, and provide guidance as to changes that must be made to achieve compliance.

6. A copy of a certification of compliance from the Division shall be presented with every request by an agency for approval of record retention schedules or disposal of original records used or maintained on image processing systems.

(f) Provision of training for planning, implementation, and maintenance of image processing systems. The Bureau of Records Management of the Division of Archives and Records Management shall provide training and other records and information management support services to State and local government agencies to assist in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of image processing systems used for keeping public records; and serve as a repository for information concerning State, national and international standards, procedures and guidelines for image processing systems, including all published documents cited or referred to in this subchapter; and produce, publish and distribute technical bulletins, guidelines and other publications to implement and explain established standards, procedures and rules for image processing systems; and shall revise and reissue the same as warranted by advances in technology, issuance of new national and international standards, or other relevant events.

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15:3-4.8: Security


(a) Security subsystem, procedures for system administration, and file access. A security subsystem and procedures for system administration and file access that cannot be disabled or circumvented, except for properly authorized functions of a systems manager, shall be provided for all image processing systems used for keeping public records.

(b) Non-altering of record. Imaging systems shall not be capable of altering a record as scanned and/or recorded, except for standard computer-enhancement routines used to improve the legibility of scanned documents.

(c) Prevention of unauthorized usage of image processing system. Means of control shall be established and maintained to prevent unauthorized creation, addition, alteration, deletion, or deterioration of any imaged record.

(d) Corrections or additions to records. Corrections or additions to records shall be recorded as new documents and maintained in the recordkeeping system along with the original record.

(e) Court-ordered expungement. Court-ordered expungement of information recorded on a Write-Once-Read- Many (WORM) optical disk system shall be implemented according to recommendations provided in Technical Report for Information and Image Management--The Expungement of Information Recorded on Optical Write-Once-Read- Many (WORM) Systems (AIIM TR28-1991, as amended and supplemented, incorporated herein by reference).

(f) Documentation of security. Security subsystems and procedures for system administration and file access shall be completely and thoroughly documented and auditable.

1. To ensure the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of the public records contained in image processing systems, such systems shall create and retain a record of the location, date, operator and equipment involved in the production of all images it copies or produces.

2. Imaging systems shall create and maintain logs of all system and file access and activities.

3. Only authorized persons shall have access to logs and other documentation of security subsystems and procedures.

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15:3-4.9: Public access


(a) Image processing systems shall not limit or hinder public access. The implementation and use of image processing systems shall not limit or hinder public access to public records. Image processing systems shall provide access which is equivalent, or better than, that provided by previous recordkeeping systems.

(b) The right of the public to inspect and copy. The right of the public to inspect and copy public records pursuant to PL 1963, c. 73 (N.J.S. 47:1A-1 et seq.) shall, with respect to the copying of records maintained by an image processing system, be deemed to refer to the right to receive printed copies of such records.

 

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Contact Information:
Albin Wagner, Deputy Director for Records Management
2300 Stuyvesant Avenue
P.O. Box 307
Trenton, NJ 08625-0307
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Updated October 21, 2003
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