olicy Cross-domain 
 
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but, with digital records, this function has moved to the forefront. In fact, as original digital 
records disappear and an interminable chain of non-identical reproductions follows them, the 
researchers looking at the last of those reproductions will not find in it any information regarding 
provenance, authority, context or authenticity.  
The authentication function of archival description is different from that of a certificate of 
authenticity, because it is not si