How to Approach an Office Records Management Overhaul

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…

Telecommunication and Records

These days, the word “telecommunication” or, as it’s more commonly referred, “telecommuting” is something everyone is hearing. But what is telecommuting anyway, and how does it apply to records management? Telecommunication means communication over a distance by telephone, cable, or broadcasting.  For most people, this means working from home on a desktop or laptop computer.…

Shared Drive Cleanup Success Story

This is a guest post by Reference Librarian Mackenzie Ryan from TSLAC’s ARIS division. As part of a wider effort to reorganize and manage the Archives and Information Services (ARIS) division’s shared drive, a committee was formed, and department representatives were assigned to create and implement plans to reorganize and clean up their department’s shared…

RIM Month Fun: Emoji Records Management

Emoji Records Retention Schedule At some point in the introduction to records management training courses for both local governments and state agencies we discuss what the different retention codes on the retention schedules mean. Normally it looks and goes something like this:         We say it’s time for a little update. Better…

Migration: How to Begin and Where to Go

Given the fast-paced nature of technology and how quickly systems and formats can reach obsolescence, inevitably state agencies need to migrate agency information, data, and records to newer systems and devices. Whenever TSLAC receives inquiries on this topic, it’s a Catch-22; the analysts exist to help and guide state agencies on records management, however the…

Cleaning Up Your Shared Drive

At their best, networked shared drives cut down on filing cabinets, multiple copies and versions of documents, and frantic conversations about where a record copy is. Shared drives can provide a communal space that increases efficiency and collaboration. They also help with version control, access control, and keeping records backed up to a server. However,…