Last year, for Valentine’s Day, two analysts in the Records Management Assistance Unit wrote an article titled: 10 Things We Love About Records Management. We wanted to acknowledge ten things that made our hearts flutter as analysts. This year, however, in honor of all the broken hearts this Valentine’s Day, let’s discuss five things that…
In this new year, we want to remind everyone of the resources the Records Management Assistance Unit has for local governments and state agencies. Trainings In person training is back and ready to go! Some examples of our training includes Records Management Basics for both State Agencies and Local Governments, tips and tricks for disposition,…
The recertification process can be long and detailed—for the agency and for the analyst completing the review. One of the questions that we get during the process is, “How long does it take, and how does it work on TSLAC’s end?” This article explores how one Government Information Analyst approaches a schedule review. If you…
Sometimes, the Sunset Commission “sunsets” state agencies. But what does that mean? “In government, ‘Sunset’ reviews regularly assess the need for a state agency or program to exist. In Texas, the Sunset process works by setting an expiration (Sunset) date in law for state agencies. An agency will automatically be abolished on its Sunset date…
The records management assistance unit at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) receives many questions from state agencies when it comes to recertifying retention schedules. A question we commonly receive concerns the “R” code; what does “R – Archival Review” mean, and what does the State Archives have to do with it? TSLAC…
Data is everywhere—when we click, swipe, type, or Skype, data is created and stored into various databases. What happens when that data is breached, identities are stolen, privacy is lost, or loss of property occurs? For public agencies, data breaches can result in loss of confidential or valuable information. What does this have to do…
The Archives and Information Services division at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has a sophisticated electronic records processes. Many agencies who submit their records to the Archives, may not know how their records are incorporated into TSLAC’s archival inventory. During e-Records 2020 Brian Thomas, an Electronic Records Specialist at TSLAC, presented “What…
Overhauling a records management system can be a daunting task. Understanding what worked previously, what didn’t work, and what new programs to implement are all elements in an office records management overhaul. There are a range of things to consider when revamping your records management program, including inventory, security, and disposition projects. Overhauling a records…