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…

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;…

Stacked newspapers next to the words News You can Use and the TSLAC logo.

Texas Library and Archives Foundation Accepting Applications for $2,000 Scholarships for Library Science Students

The Texas Library and Archives Foundation has announced its annual Martha Wong Scholarship opportunity, as well as the new Mark Smith–Gloria Meraz Scholarship, for students in a Texas library/information science or school library certification program. Both scholarships will award a reimbursable grant of $2,000 that may be used for tuition or required textbooks. Through these awards, the…

The words "State Agency Training" over employees in a classroom listening to a lecture.

Remote Training for State Agencies!

We are excited to announce that we will be conducting free introductory records management classes via Zoom for state agencies on: These classes are free for government employees in Texas. Visit our training page for registration instructions. NOTE: Your registration may be delayed. We are reviewing and approving registrants. If you have any questions, please…

Letterboard sign laying on a desk that says "you got this." Also on the desk is a computer and laptop.

SACCRIM – A group for records friends!

The State Agency Coordinating Committee, Records and Information Management (SACCRIM) is a group for records leaders to get together to discuss recommended opportunities, organizations, strategies, and more! SACCRIM is recommended by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) because it is a free opportunity to hear and discuss with one another your records program…

Twelve wooden and sliver shovels adorned with gold bows sit in a line sticking out of a pile of dirt in front of a yellow bulldozer.

The State Records Center – Then and Now

Since 1972, the State and Local Records Management Division (SLRM) has operated the State Records Center (SRC) on Shoal Creek Boulevard in Austin. The original building included space to store more than 152,000 cubic feet of records, with an extension added in 1986 providing another 232,000 cubic square feet of storage for state agencies and…