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…
How do I love the records management implications of romantic comedies? Let me count the ways. Here in the Records Management Assistance Unit, Records and Information Management (RIM) often lingers in our minds, driving us to distraction—specifically, when we’re trying to relax and enjoy some pop culture. As Valentine’s Day approaches, here are two movies…
An RMO walked into my office like a shredded record—all cut up and bent out of shape. I was used to that sort of thing. “What seems to be the trouble?” I said. “I got these records, see? And I just can’t classify ‘em no matter what I do.” “You got no information about ‘em?…
At the end of a record’s life cycle, destruction is the most common end. But there is another path: transferring the record to another entity for long-term preservation. For records with historical value, this may be an excellent option. So, how can local governments transfer their records? The Local Government Code spells out the conditions…
Welcome back to our occasional series “Off the Record,” a curated collection of articles we found interesting on a broad range of topics, some which are directly related to records management and others which might share common themes. No, we didn’t write these articles—hence the name of this series, “Off the Record”— but, fortunately, we…
There’s no denying that AI (artificial intelligence) is the buzzword du jour. Have you ever wondered how to classify records generated by AI on your retention schedule? Whether or not your government entity is actively using AI, it’s a question worth considering. What is AI and Why Would My Government Entity Use it? According to…
There’s nothing like the holiday season to get you thinking about history and traditions. But have you ever pondered the of role government records in documenting yuletide events? A recent history documentary sparked some Christmassy RIM-brain for me. It’s beginning to look a lot like records and information management (RIM) everywhere you go! In the…
Did you know that there is a free resource available through your local library to help you learn relevant skills needed to be an effective records manager? All you need is a library card! What is Udemy? Udemy is an online video learning platform. It’s one of the free TexShare databases offered at participating Texas…