A gavel lies on its side atop a sound block on an off-white background.

Are Exhibits Records?

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…

A hand places a coral colored binder on a shelf full of light blue binders. Below are the words Remarkable Records and the TSLAC logo.

Maps, Plats, and Local Governments

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…

Two people working on laptops.

Strategies for Developing Email Auto-Deletion Policies

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…

Hand writing "customer service."

SLRM Customer Service Survey

Calling on all employees of Texas state agencies, local governments, and institutions of higher education! State and Local Records Management (SLRM) needs your help evaluating the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). This survey is your opportunity to tell us how we’re doing. tsl.texas.gov/slrm/training/slrm-css25 Completing the survey should take you approximately two (2) minutes;…

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Let’s Go Shopping with the 12 Local Retention Schedules

Declaring compliance with local government retention schedules is a lot like grocery shopping. Confused? Let me explain. However you look at it, every local government must declare compliance with a selection from TSLAC’s 12 local government retention schedules using either the SLR 512 (for elected officials) or SLR 508 (for everyone else). TSLAC has recommended…