2.3 Records management best practices

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Although it's impossible to list all records management best practices, some of the most important recommendations for effective records management are^[1]:

1. Identify the functions and activities for which each program is responsible and determine what records are needed to document those activities and functions.
   
   
2. Maintain those records in a way that allows all persons who need access to find and retrieve what they need.
   
   
3. Remove or destroy records only with authorization; don't retain records authorized for destruction.
   
   
4. Keep official records separate from non-record materials.
   
   
5. Make someone responsible for the records program.
   
   
6. Transfer records identified as permanent to the SFU Archives as required.
   
   
7. Protect records that contain classified, confidential, or other types of sensitive information with appropriate safeguards.

 

Can you think of any best practices that you have implemented or would like to implement in your unit? Look at what other staff members have said and provide your examples in discussion 2.3.

 

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[1] This list has been adapted from the Records Management Office at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), available online at http://www.epa.gov/records/tools/10_comma.htm Links to an external site.