Author: Michael Shea

Frequently Asked Questions, and Some Questions that have never been asked about the State Records Center. Here are the answers to some of the FAQs I get from customers and some others that I just made up.

How many records do you store there?

This answer changes every time I hear the “Kerplunk” of the scanner moving new items into or out of our inventory system, Texlinx.  However, we have about 319,000 boxes of hard copy records. For those who enjoy math, multiply that number by .2 and you get the Cubic foot equivalent. (It’s 382,800 if you are calculator challenged). We also store over 200,000 reels and over 2,000,000 sheets of microfiche. So a lot is a good answer!

Is your facility open to the public?

No, it’s not.  We have a secure facility, and aside from the witty repartee of the staff, there is nothing for the public here.  We maintain the records for our customers, but we don’t own them, so we never share any records with the public.  Only State or local government employees with permissions can request records from the SRC.

Are you the Archives?

No, the Archives is a distinct division at the State Library from the State and Local Records Management division.  We’re pretty sure we’d whoop them in a softball/kickball/anyball game too. (Take that as a challenge, Archives!)

 What is Texlinx?

Texlinx is our inventory, billing, training, everything system that went online in May, 2015.  All records are tracked through this system and it is FINALLY a system that allows the customer to view their record indexes live via the internet.

Are you full? Will you be full?

TOTALLY, I had two brisket jalapeno breakfast tacos this morning. So Good.  Oh, you probably mean the Records Center!  We have space, lots of space for your records. WE HAVE ROOM, WE HAVE SPACE and we will not fill up.  We won’t fill up because we will expand the facility if the need arises should we max out the shelving in this facility.

Why aren’t you automatically destroying my records when they are eligible?

We don’t own the records and only maintain them. However, it is very simple to queue up what is eligible for destruction. All that I need to destroy records is an email or letter from the RMO, RML or agency head asking me to destroy records. In fact, they don’t even have to list the records, all I need is the record series and target date (Last eligible destruction date). This allows the system to sweep records that are eligible and takes human error out of the equation.  I’ve personally never made an error, but I imagine others do from time to time.

What is the Disaster Recovery tab for in Texlinx?

Disaster Recovery is a service we offer to agencies to provide offsite backup storage and rotation for things like Disaster Plans, Coop Plans (are they the same thing? I’m not sure, I just store them!), backup tapes, servers, usb sticks, cd-rom backups, and one rubber chicken. (I’m not sure why exactly, but I think it might be because the IT people have an odd sense of humor).

Where is the password reset button in Texlinx?

Well, there is none.  All Texlinx problems, concerns and resets should be emailed to texlinx@tsl.texas.gov We have a core group of administrators who monitor that box and can reset passwords, and unravel any mysteries or issues you may have with Texlinx.

Will Romo get off the bench?

Nope. It’s Dak’s team now. Go Cowboys!

How did a New Englander become a Cowboys fan?

The Patriots weren’t on TV in Southern Connecticut, and my Dad is a Giants fan. Even at five years old I knew I could not root for a NY team and my favorite uncle (Hi Uncle Mark!) was a huge Cowboys fan, so I fell in line then. I suppose I’m a bandwagon fan because I am not sure who I was rooting for before I was five.

Why did the rubber chicken cross the road?

To climb into a Disaster Recovery box, duh.