If you’re new to your role as Records Management Officer (RMO) or looking for a good starting place to become familiar with the Texas records management laws, rules, and best practices related to local governments, look no further. The Records Management Quick-Start Guidance Packet for Local Government Records Management Officers and Liaisons covers a wide array of information to get you headed in the right direction.

Download The Packet

• Packet for Elected Officials (PDF)
• Packet for All Other Local Governments (PDF)

Questions and Answers to Assist with the Packet

• Who is this packet intended for?
• What is the intent of the packet?
• Who do I contact for questions or feedback about the packet?
• Things to know about the packet.
• What should I do after I finish the packet?
• In addition to the packet, what else should I leave the next RMO?
• Can I customize this packet for staff?

Who is this packet intended for?

This packet is designed as an onboarding packet for local government RMOs wanting to become more familiar with their role and responsibilities! However, the packet can be extended to anyone working in the field of records management for a local government.

• If you are the RMO, open the packet within 30 days of taking position to receive the full benefit!
• After that, if you are already on file with TSLAC, or you’re not the RMO, take your time going through the packet. This is a journey, not a destination.

What is the intent of the packet?

The packet is similar to how your TSLAC Analyst is trained. It covers basic information related to the state’s records management laws, rules, and best practices for local governments. The packet is intended to familiarize you with the bare minimum requirements and recommendations for meeting those requirements. It is written in an informal/formal way to help the information be clear and relatable. The packet is interactive, so feel free to write all over the packet. It is yours to use as you see fit.

As you go, please write down any questions that you have. Sooner rather than later, follow up with your TSLAC Analyst to receive the answer to your questions before learning a new concept. You’re not in this alone.

Who do I contact for questions or feedback about the packet?

Your TSLAC Analyst.

Things to know about the packet.

Download the Guide applicable to your government type and save to your Desktop or Documents to more easily interact with the resources and links and ensure changes are saved.

Track your progress by using the Draw or Edit feature in PDF or printing and writing on the packet.

What should I do after I finish the packet?

• Let your TSLAC Analyst know if you have any feedback on the packet that you feel TSLAC should be aware of.
• Consider attending the Texas e-Records Conference that TSLAC and Department of Information Resources host every November. Presenters at the e-Records Conference are records leaders who discuss topics related to current trends and best practices related to an electronic records management program. Including, social media, AI, data, etc.
• Leave instructions within policies, procedures, or another helpful place or print the Guide and leave it at the desk for the next RMO to check out the packet within 30 days of taking their position. This is important because the next RMO will at the very least, need to update information on file with TSLAC within 30 days of taking position.

In addition to the packet, what else should I leave the next RMO?

Inventories of all record storage. E.g., Physical, electronic, software, etc. Don’t have an inventory? Checkout the following TSLAC resources to help create some:

• Guidance for Records Inventories
• Articles tagged with “inventory.”
• Related policies and procedures. E.g., File naming, disposition, storing in various formats (physical, email, social media, work from home device, etc.), onboarding, offboarding, etc. Don’t have these types of policies? Checkout TSLAC’s articles tagged with “policy.”
• Training that you recommend.
• Meetings that you attend to promote or ensure the program is considered.
• Contact information for anyone who assisted you with the program throughout your time and a brief on how they can help. Here is an example of what that could look like:

Can I customize this packet for staff?

Sure! The paperwork section is only applicable to RMOs, but if you feel our information is beneficial and targeted to your staff, please feel free to share it with them. The more trained on records management, the more records managers.

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