Definition

The organization and sequence of records established by the creator of the records.

Source: Richard Pearce-Moses. Glossary of archival and records terminology. Chicago: Society of American Archivists.

Introduction

Original order is usually apparent if the records present evidence of the creator's record keeping practices and if the active order has not been disturbed during file storage or transfer to the University Archives. Evidence of record keeping practices that can help determine the original order include: 

1. File numbering systems
   
   
2. Classification systems
   
   
3. File naming systems (e.g., names of people, events, places, etc.)
   
   
4. Chronological or alphabetical ranges indicated on file labels