Topical posts. General guidance on various subjects in the field of records and information management.
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…
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…
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…
Break out the orange pumpkins and black cats, because it is once again the spookiest time of the year. Let’s pick out the next RIM-Brain film from the movie library for the Halloween season. Now lets don our costumes, grab a bowl of caramel corn, and get ready to watch this year’s horror film. Here…
How long should government entities in Texas keep email? It’s one of our most frequently asked questions, and like all our favorite questions here at TSLAC, the answer is, “it depends.” Though TSLAC has traditionally recommended the “sort and file” method, these days many agencies are hoping to simplify their operations by establishing an auto-deletion…