After publishing, is it required that you leave the source files in their original location?

After publishing, it is not a requirement to leave the source files in their original location; they can indeed be removed. This is because, once the content has been published, the integrity of the published data is maintained independently of the original source files. The published materials should stand alone, and their ongoing availability does not hinge on the retention of the original files.

However, it's worth noting that some organizations may have specific policies regarding data management, which can include guidelines for retaining source files for audit purposes or other compliance reasons. Therefore, while the general practice allows for the removal of source files, organizational policies might dictate otherwise. This flexibility acknowledges the various operational standards across different organizations while emphasizing that the published content remains intact without needing to preserve the source files.