ABSTRACT
Records management is the systematic control of the recorded information required in the operation of an organization. It includes the creation, maintenance, retrieval, and final disposition of records, all at the lowest possible cost. Legal records are those which must be maintained beyond operational needs. Retention may be mandated by law, by contract, or by reason of potential liability. Timecards and other documents used in preparing payrolls and customer billings for current accounting periods are typically vital documents. Record storage facilities can be located at the site of operations or in a disaster-resistant facility at a remote location. Storage containers may vary from cardboard boxes to racks for computer tapes requiring controlled environment. Retention schedules are prepared from information obtained during the record series inventory. The complexity of the systems available will necessitate cooperation and a good working relationship with the computer analysts, micrographics experts, and other specialists in the organization.
