Posts pertaining to Texas state agencies.
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…
Are the descriptions on your agency’s retention schedule lacking flair? Customizing records series descriptions can make your schedule easier to navigate and can increase clarity, helping your staff classify records properly. Here are some tips for writing custom series descriptions. Background Each state agency and public university in Texas must create a unique records retention schedule based on the records they create and maintain (Government Code §441.185). Local governments in Texas must either keep all records permanently, or prepare a 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…
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…
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;…
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…
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…
In this edition of Remarkable Records, we are going to look at photographs that document local governments and state agencies. Photographs capture a moment in time as a visual representation that represent infrastructure, events, and people that help to shape the state we are now. Local Governments El Paso, ca. 1880 (El Paso Historical Society)…