In archival terminology, the term Estray refers to records that are no longer in possession of their original custodian.

In archival terminology, the term Estray refers to records that are no longer in possession of their original custodian.

• A. The original creator
• B. Their original custodian
• C. Stored in offsite vaults
• D. Records no longer in possession

Answer: (D)

Estray in archival terms focuses on possession and custody. It describes records that are not in the hands of the usual keeper or custodian. The best description is “records no longer in possession” because it captures this status directly—the records have left the custodian’s control, regardless of where they are or who currently has them. The other ideas don’t fit as well because they point to who created the records (the original creator) or to where the records are stored (offsite vaults) or to the holder of custody in a way that doesn’t necessarily indicate a departure from possession. Estray specifically flags the fact that the records are out of the custodian’s possession and thus require locating their proper custodial status.

Estray in archival terms focuses on possession and custody. It describes records that are not in the hands of the usual keeper or custodian. The best description is “records no longer in possession” because it captures this status directly—the records have left the custodian’s control, regardless of where they are or who currently has them.

The other ideas don’t fit as well because they point to who created the records (the original creator) or to where the records are stored (offsite vaults) or to the holder of custody in a way that doesn’t necessarily indicate a departure from possession. Estray specifically flags the fact that the records are out of the custodian’s possession and thus require locating their proper custodial status.