Disposition of records is a common and essential task among Records Management Officers (RMOs). However, at some point, RMOs will encounter the difficult task a step above regular disposition: getting rid of records that have been stashed away for decades. Nobody knows the content of the boxes or electronic files, and those who made them…
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting local government classes on: Each class is $24 per person, per day. Class size is limited to 40 people, so register today! Classes will be held at the Barbara Jordan State Office Building—1601 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701. Course Descriptions Introduction to Records Management — Full Day…
Birth, marriage, and death records. While these records are parts of lives lived, they are all also valuable tools to help live those lives—but not always in the ways one might expect. Sure, many people use these as part of genealogical research or to perhaps apply for or renew certain documents. But that’s not all…
Throughout the typical workday, it is easy to jot down reminders, take notes during a department meeting, or write down some ideas inspired by a conference presentation or training. Because notes sometimes have a sense of documenting government business and are useful for creating a potential record, you might wonder if what you just scribbled…
The digital age’s promise of the modernization of information technology and machine learning comes closer with every update to technology, systems, and programs to better process and avoid human error. In the years of transitioning to more digital systems to improve efficiency, storage, and sharing, the one format that sticks around without the need for…
Are the descriptions on your agency’s retention schedule lacking flair? Customizing records series descriptions can make your schedule easier to navigate and can increase clarity, helping your staff classify records properly. Here are some tips for writing custom series descriptions. Background Each state agency and public university in Texas must create a unique records retention schedule based on the records they create and maintain (Government Code §441.185). Local governments in Texas must either keep all records permanently, or prepare a records…
REGISTRATION HAS BEEN CLOSED Calling all Texas local government records management officers and liaisons! You are cordially invited to the annual Local Government Records Management Officer meeting, organized by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). This meeting will include presentations and Q&A on training, compliance, local schedule updates, and more! Please note: Please…
Are you a non-elected local government considering updating your RMO designation? This article will explain your options! Note: “Non-elected local government” refers to counties, municipalities, ISDs, and other local entities outlined in our article on local government status. This article does not apply to elected local officials or state agencies/public universities. Two Ways to Designate…
This could be you. We are excited to announce that we will be hosting local government classes on: Each class is $24 per person, per day. Class size is limited to 40 people, so register today! Classes will be held at the Barbara Jordan State Office Building—1601 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701. Course Descriptions Introduction…
Ready to celebrate 250 years of American independence in a big way? Join Texans statewide in the Texas America250 Reading Challenge, hosted by TSLAC and the Texas Center for the Book. It’s simple: log 2,500 minutes—that’s about 41 hours—of reading, exploring Texas state parks, or giving back through service between January 1 and December 31,…
On Friday, November 21st, 2025, the annual e-Records Conference returned with the theme “Preserve the Past, Power the Future.” Co-sponsored by TSLAC and the Texas Department of Information Resources, this year’s theme highlighted the importance of electronic records for Texas government operations now and in years to come. Smashing yet another attendance record, this year’s…
First, let’s look at the definition of an exhibit. According to Black’s Law Dictionary, an exhibit is “a document, record, or other tangible object formally introduced as evidence in court,” or “a document attached to and made part of a pleading, motion, contract or other instrument.” So, exhibits may be physical objects or documents, and…
Maps and plats play a huge part in how a municipality is laid out, zoned, developed, and built. Maps assist in navigation of the municipality, while plats establish the boundaries. Because these record types can seem similar, it is sometimes difficult for local government employees to identify an appropriate retention series on the Local Government…
