The words "You Ask, We Answer" over two puzzle pieces labeled "Q" and "A" as well as the TSLAC logo.

The Records Management Team: Who Are You?

The RMA team works with local governments, state agencies, and universities of all shapes and sizes throughout Texas. While resources and staff are applied differently in each records management program, there is a common idea of the Records Management Team. The Records Management Team is an effort to ensure records management knowledge, procedure, and training reaches all the staff in an organization.     Records Management Officer The administration of the…

The words "You Ask, We Answer" over two puzzle pieces labeled "Q" and "A" as well as the TSLAC logo.

Records Disposition Experience: Analyst Edition!

Disposition of records is a common and essential task among Records Management Officers (RMOs). However, at some point, RMOs will encounter the difficult task a step above regular disposition: getting rid of records that have been stashed away for decades. Nobody knows the content of the boxes or electronic files, and those who made them…

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.

Records of Life

Birth, marriage, and death records. While these records are parts of lives lived, they are all also valuable tools to help live those lives—but not always in the ways one might expect. Sure, many people use these as part of genealogical research or to perhaps apply for or renew certain documents. But that’s not all…

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…