2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The aim of this paper is to examine how digitization has reduced organizational reliance on paper while emphasizing the continued persistence of paper-based information storage, with nearly 80% of business records worldwide still maintained in physical form. While digital transformation is often associated with efficiency, sustainability and cost reduction, many organizations continue to depend heavily on paper due to entrenched administrative routines, cultural preferences and compliance obligations. This paper synthesizes existing research to assess the extent to which digitization initiatives have altered information management practices and explores why paper remains an enduring element of organizational recordkeeping in the digital era. A systematic literature review will be conducted using peer-reviewed journals, industry reports, and case studies published between 1990 and 2025. Search terms will include “digitization,” “paper use,” “organizational recordkeeping,” “information management,” “paper reduction,” “business information management” and “document digitization.” Publications will be categorized by region, sector (finance, healthcare, education, legal, etc.) and thematic focus (policy/regulation, technological transition, workplace culture, sustainability). Analytical attention will be directed toward identifying how different industries have implemented digital systems, the extent of paper reduction achieved, and the institutional or behavioral factors contributing to the persistence of physical records. The review is expected to show that while digitization has substantially reduced paper use in many organizations, paper remains deeply embedded in recordkeeping practices due to compliance requirements, archival traditions and trust in tangible documentation. Sectors such as law, government, and healthcare demonstrate slower transitions, whereas others increasingly adopt hybrid systems that combine digital workflows with selective paper retention. The study also highlights continuing uncertainty around digital storage reliability, data authenticity and long-term preservation, which contribute to the endurance of paper-based systems. Findings will provide actionable insights for policymakers, information managers and sustainability advocates seeking to modernize information practices. Recommendations will focus on strategies for minimizing unnecessary paper use, improving digital literacy and trust and designing secure, compliant digital infrastructures that reduce dependence on paper without compromising record integrity. This paper reframes digitization not merely as a technological upgrade but as a sociotechnical transformation that intersects with organizational culture and sustainability goals. By shifting attention from disposal and recycling toward reduction and prevention, the review underscores how rethinking information habits can accelerate progress toward sustainable, digitally driven information management systems.