A public record that has passed into the control of the Chief Archivist as part of the public archives, generally because of its long-term value. Access conditions (open, restricted, or closed) apply.
A public archive is a public record that has passed into the Chief Archivist's control as part of the public archives, generally because of long-term value. Access conditions (open, restricted, or closed) apply once it is transferred.
IAR turns terms like this into working practice: assets classified against your disposal authority, stewarded by position, and ready to evidence.